Egg tempera

Definition

Egg tempera is a fast-drying paint made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, usually egg yolk. This medium was widely used in the creation of paintings and illuminated manuscripts, especially during the early periods of European art, allowing artists to achieve fine detail and vibrant colors while working on various surfaces such as wood panels and parchment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Egg tempera was the dominant painting medium before the widespread adoption of oil paints in the Renaissance, allowing artists to create highly detailed works.
2. The drying time of egg tempera is quick, which requires artists to work in layers and apply multiple coats to achieve desired opacity and vibrancy.
3. Because it dries to a matte finish, egg tempera often produces a luminous quality that enhances the colors and details in paintings.
4. Commonly used by medieval artists, egg tempera was integral to the creation of religious artworks and altarpieces, contributing to the visual storytelling of that time.
5. The technique of mixing pigments with egg yolk dates back to antiquity and was revived during the Renaissance by artists who appreciated its clarity and texture.

Review Questions

• How does the use of egg tempera differ from oil paint in terms of application and finish?
  • Egg tempera differs from oil paint primarily in its application method and drying time. While oil paint allows for blending and layering over extended periods due to its slow drying time, egg tempera dries quickly, which means artists must work rapidly. Additionally, egg tempera dries to a matte finish, resulting in a different texture and luminosity compared to the glossy finish typical of oil paintings.
• Discuss the historical significance of egg tempera in the context of illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages.
  • Egg tempera played a crucial role in illuminated manuscripts, which were highly valued art forms during the Middle Ages. Artists utilized this medium for its ability to produce vibrant colors and fine details, essential for intricate illustrations and decorative elements within these manuscripts. The use of egg tempera allowed for a rich visual storytelling approach that complemented the textual content, contributing to the cultural and artistic heritage of that era.
• Evaluate how the transition from egg tempera to oil paint impacted artistic techniques and styles during the Renaissance.
  • The transition from egg tempera to oil paint marked a significant shift in artistic techniques and styles during the Renaissance. Oil paint's slower drying time enabled artists to experiment with layering, glazing, and blending colors more effectively than with egg tempera. This newfound flexibility allowed for greater realism in depictions of light, shadow, and texture, leading to innovations in composition and depth that defined Renaissance art. The shift also reflected broader changes in artistic philosophy, emphasizing individual expression and naturalism.

Related terms

Fresco: A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the pigments to become an integral part of the wall as it dries.

Gesso: A surface preparation consisting of a mixture of plaster and chalk that is applied to wood or canvas before painting, creating a smooth base for egg tempera.

Illuminated Manuscripts: Handwritten books that include decorative elements, often with gold or silver leaf, created primarily during the Middle Ages using techniques like egg tempera for vibrant illustrations.