Tempera painting

Definition

Tempera painting is a fast-drying medium that combines pigments with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk, resulting in a paint that is durable and has a matte finish. This technique has been historically significant in various artistic traditions, especially before the advent of oil painting. In narrative art within certain cultural contexts, tempera has been used to depict stories and religious themes with clarity and precision.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera painting was widely used in European art before the popularity of oil painting took over in the 15th century.
2. Egg yolk is commonly used as a binder in tempera, which provides a unique luster and transparency to the paint.
3. Tempera dries quickly, allowing artists to layer colors and create detailed images without the long drying times associated with oil paints.
4. This medium is often associated with religious art, as it was traditionally used to illustrate sacred texts and narratives in various cultures.
5. In Theravada contexts, tempera painting has been used to create intricate murals depicting the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales, illustrating moral lessons through narrative imagery.

Review Questions

• How does tempera painting differ from other painting techniques like oil or fresco, particularly in terms of application and finish?
  • Tempera painting differs from oil painting in that it dries much faster, allowing for immediate layering and detail work without extended waiting times. Unlike fresco, which requires application on wet plaster and integrates paint into the wall itself, tempera is applied to a prepared surface like wood panels. The finish of tempera is typically matte and less glossy compared to oil paint, which can be built up for richer textures. This combination of properties makes tempera suitable for detailed narrative art.
• Discuss the role of tempera painting in conveying narrative themes within Theravada Buddhist art.
  • Tempera painting plays a crucial role in conveying narrative themes within Theravada Buddhist art by providing a medium that allows for detailed storytelling through visual imagery. Artists often use tempera to create elaborate murals that depict significant events from the life of the Buddha or Jataka tales that illustrate moral lessons. The clarity and vibrancy of colors achieved with tempera enhance the storytelling aspect, making it an effective tool for both artistic expression and religious instruction.
• Evaluate how the techniques used in tempera painting have influenced contemporary interpretations of narrative art in Southeast Asia.
  • The techniques of tempera painting have significantly influenced contemporary interpretations of narrative art in Southeast Asia by preserving traditional methods while integrating modern themes and styles. Artists draw upon the precise detail and vibrant colors characteristic of tempera to create works that resonate with both historical significance and contemporary relevance. This blending of old and new reflects cultural continuity while allowing for personal expression, showcasing how traditional mediums can evolve while still honoring their roots in narrative storytelling.

Related terms

Fresco: A mural painting technique where water-based pigments are applied on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to become an integral part of the wall surface.

Iconography: The study of symbols and imagery in art, particularly in religious contexts, which helps convey specific narratives and meanings.

Panel Painting: A method of painting on a wooden panel, which was a common support for tempera paintings, often prepared with a gesso layer to create a smooth surface.