Egg tempera

Definition

Egg tempera is a painting medium made by mixing colored pigments with a water-soluble binder, typically egg yolk. This technique was widely used before the advent of oil paint and is characterized by its fast drying time and vibrant colors. It plays a significant role in preserving and interpreting artworks, especially those from the Baroque period, as its unique properties affect both the appearance and longevity of the paintings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Egg tempera dries quickly, which requires artists to work rapidly to blend colors on the palette before they set.
2. This medium produces a matte finish and allows for fine detail work, making it ideal for delicate Baroque art pieces.
3. Baroque artists often used egg tempera for underpainting before applying layers of oil paint, enhancing depth and luminosity.
4. Due to its water-soluble nature, egg tempera artworks are more sensitive to moisture and environmental conditions than oil paintings.
5. Preserving egg tempera paintings requires careful consideration of humidity and temperature to prevent deterioration of the medium.

Review Questions

• How does the application process of egg tempera affect the artistic techniques used during the Baroque period?
  • The application process of egg tempera involves mixing pigments with egg yolk, which dries quickly. This rapid drying time forced artists to develop techniques that emphasized precision and detail over blending. In the Baroque period, artists adapted their methods to create intricate designs and layered applications, often using egg tempera as an underpainting before applying oil paints for added depth. This combination allowed for both vivid colors and a refined finish that became characteristic of Baroque art.
• What challenges do conservators face when preserving egg tempera artworks compared to those created with oil paint?
  • Conservators face several challenges when preserving egg tempera artworks due to its sensitivity to environmental factors like humidity and temperature. Unlike oil paints, which are more durable and flexible, egg tempera can crack or flake if exposed to moisture or significant temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the matte finish of egg tempera can make it more susceptible to dirt accumulation and discoloration over time. These factors require conservators to use specialized techniques and conditions for preservation.
• Evaluate the impact of egg tempera on the evolution of painting techniques in the Baroque period and beyond.
  • Egg tempera significantly impacted the evolution of painting techniques in the Baroque period by influencing how artists approached color application and detail. The medium's fast drying time encouraged a shift towards more deliberate and meticulous methods of layering colors, which paved the way for the later dominance of oil painting. As artists transitioned from egg tempera to oil paints, they retained some techniques derived from this medium, such as underpainting and glazing, thereby integrating them into future artistic practices. This evolution highlights how materials shape artistic expression and techniques across different periods.

Related terms

Fresco: A mural painting technique where water-based pigments are applied to freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the colors to bond with the wall.

Oil paint: A painting medium that uses oil as a binder, allowing for greater blending and layering of colors compared to egg tempera.

Gesso: A mixture of chalk, gypsum, or white pigment with a binder used to prepare surfaces for painting, commonly used in conjunction with egg tempera.