Tempera painting

Definition

Tempera painting is a technique that uses pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk, to create a fast-drying medium. This method has been widely used for creating detailed and vibrant artwork, particularly in religious figure portraiture, allowing artists to achieve intricate textures and colors that hold up well over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera painting was predominant during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, particularly before oil paints became widely used.
2. One of the key benefits of tempera is its ability to produce fine details due to the quick drying time and its ability to be layered.
3. Artists often applied tempera in thin layers, allowing for a unique luminosity and depth in colors that can resemble stained glass.
4. Egg yolk serves as the most common binder in traditional tempera painting, providing durability and a slight sheen to finished works.
5. Tempera paintings were frequently used for altar pieces and religious icons, reflecting the significance of spirituality in art during these periods.

Review Questions

• How does tempera painting differ from other painting techniques like oil or fresco in terms of application and finish?
  • Tempera painting differs significantly from oil and fresco techniques. While oil paints allow for longer working times and richer textures due to their slow drying nature, tempera dries quickly, enabling artists to build up fine details rapidly. In contrast to fresco, which requires application on wet plaster, tempera can be applied to various surfaces like wood or canvas after preparing them with gesso. This unique characteristic allows for different artistic effects, making tempera ideal for intricate religious figure portraiture.
• Discuss the historical significance of tempera painting in the context of religious figure portraiture during the Renaissance.
  • During the Renaissance, tempera painting played a crucial role in religious figure portraiture as it enabled artists to create highly detailed and vibrant representations of sacred figures. This medium was particularly favored by early Renaissance artists who sought to depict emotional depth and spirituality through meticulous brushwork. The durability of tempera allowed these artworks to withstand the test of time, contributing to the lasting legacy of religious iconography from this period. As a result, many masterpieces we admire today still showcase the brilliance of tempera technique in conveying divine narratives.
• Evaluate how the transition from tempera painting to oil painting influenced artistic expression in religious artworks during the 15th and 16th centuries.
  • The transition from tempera to oil painting during the 15th and 16th centuries significantly transformed artistic expression in religious artworks. Oil paints allowed for greater flexibility, richer colors, and more intricate blending techniques than tempera could provide. Artists began experimenting with layering glazes over underpainting, achieving unprecedented depth and luminosity. This shift not only expanded the visual possibilities within religious portraiture but also reflected changing perceptions of spirituality and emotion in art. Consequently, while tempera maintained its relevance, oil paint became the preferred medium for conveying complex narratives and divine beauty.

Related terms

Fresco: A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the colors to bond with the wall as it dries.

Gesso: A preparation used as a base for tempera painting, typically made from a mixture of chalk and animal glue.

Glazing: A technique where a transparent layer of paint is applied over a dried layer, enhancing depth and luminosity in artworks.