What is tempera art?
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (The Cortona Altarpiece)The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (The Cortona Altarpiece), Fra Angelico
Tempera art is a painting method using pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, most commonly egg yolk. This fast-drying medium produces a permanent, matte finish with high color saturation. It was the dominant medium for European panel painting and illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages through the Early Renaissance.
The medium is defined by its specific binding agents. While egg tempera is the most famous, other variations exist:
- Egg Tempera: Pigments mixed with egg yolk.
- Casein Paint: Pigments mixed with milk protein.
- Distemper: Pigments mixed with gums like cornstarch or gum arabic.
- PVA Tempera: A modern version using synthetic polyvinyl acetate.
Historically, tempera was the primary medium for nearly every European painter until 1500. It was used for sacred icons, religious altarpieces, and intricate manuscript illuminations. Even as oil painting rose in popularity, tempera remained the standard for Orthodox icons and certain wall paintings.
What are the primary ingredients used in tempera paint?
The primary ingredients in traditional tempera paint are finely ground mineral pigments and a water-soluble binder, typically egg yolk. The yolk acts as a natural emulsifier, containing lecithin, oils, and proteins that bind the pigment to the surface, creating a hard, luminous, and durable film upon drying.
To prepare egg tempera, the yolk must be separated from the white. The yolk sac is punctured, and the liquid is collected while discarding the membrane to prevent lumps. This binder must be mixed fresh daily, as the yolk spoils within 24 hours at room temperature.
The composition of the paint determines its final visual effect and longevity. The interaction between the pigment and the binder creates a unique aesthetic characterized by:
- Luminosity: Achieved through the application of many thin, semi-transparent layers.
- Precision: The fast-drying nature allows for extremely fine, intricate detail.
- Matte Finish: Unlike the gloss of oil, tempera maintains a distinct matte quality.
How does the drying process of tempera differ from oil painting?
Tempera is a fast-drying medium because it relies on the evaporation of water rather than the slow oxidation of oils. While the paint dries to a hard, insoluble film within minutes, the process differs fundamentally from the curing of oil paint. This rapid drying necessitates a specific approach to application and support.
The chemical behavior of the binder dictates the required substrate. Because egg tempera dries into a rigid, non-elastic layer, it cannot be used on flexible supports like canvas, which would cause the paint to crack or delaminate. Instead, artists must use rigid, stable substrates such as wood panels to ensure the longevity of the work.
The technical application also differs significantly from the methods used by oil masters:
- Tempera: Requires building up color through many thin, semi-transparent layers or glazes to achieve luminosity.
- Oil: Offers greater flexibility, richer and denser color, and a wider range from light to dark.
- Substrate: Tempera requires wood or rigid panels; oil is commonly used on canvas, wood, or copper.
What are the historical uses and characteristics of this medium?
Tempera has been used since antiquity for ritualistic and decorative purposes, including Egyptian sarcophagus decorations and murals in the 3rd-century Dura-Europos synagogue. It was the principal medium for Byzantine icons and European panel paintings until the 15th-century transition toward oil painting.
The medium's history is marked by its presence in diverse global traditions. High-quality tempera art was produced in the Bagh Caves between the 4th and 10th centuries, and in the 7th century in the Ravan Chhaya rock shelter in Odisha. In Europe, it was the standard for the works of masters like Giotto and Botticelli.
The characteristics of the medium have made it a preferred choice for specific artistic goals:
- Clarity and Saturation: Provides a vibrant, high-impact color profile.
- Detail: The fast-drying nature allows for meticulous, rhythmic detail.
- Durability: When applied to stable panels, the resulting film is exceptionally permanent.
Frequently asked questions
What surfaces can tempera be applied to?
Tempera can be applied to surfaces such as glass, plaster, and plastic.
How often must egg tempera be mixed?
Egg tempera must be mixed fresh daily because the yolk spoils within 24 hours.
How much binder does one egg yolk provide?
One egg yolk provides enough binder for a typical painting session.
Where was Ekaterina Gracheva born?
Ekaterina Gracheva was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1975.
Learn more
- 1861 – 1944Joseph Edward Southall Egg Tempera WorksExplore the works of a key figure in the egg tempera revival.
