Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a fast-drying painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk. It has been widely used in the creation of artworks, especially during the Renaissance, for both elite and non-elite portraiture. This technique allows for precise detail and vibrant colors, making it an ideal choice for artists aiming to capture likenesses in portraiture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera paint dries quickly, allowing artists to work efficiently but also requiring swift application techniques.
2. Traditionally, egg yolk was the primary binder used in tempera, but modern variations may include other substances for different effects.
3. Tempera has a matte finish compared to oil paint, which can create a distinct aesthetic in portraiture.
4. The use of tempera was prevalent before the widespread adoption of oil paint in the late Renaissance period.
5. Tempera allows for fine detail and crisp lines, making it particularly suitable for intricate facial features in portraiture.

Review Questions

• How does the use of tempera in private portraiture differ from that of oil paint?
  • Tempera differs from oil paint primarily in its drying time and finish. While tempera dries quickly and results in a matte appearance, oil paint allows for longer working times and a glossy finish. This can influence how artists approach details and textures in portraiture. Artists using tempera often need to apply their techniques rapidly to achieve desired effects, while those using oil paint can blend colors more easily over extended periods.
• Discuss the significance of tempera as a medium for both elite and non-elite representations in portraiture.
  • Tempera's significance lies in its accessibility and ability to produce high-quality images, making it suitable for both elite patrons and non-elite individuals. For elite representations, tempera provided detailed and vibrant portraits that conveyed status and personality. In contrast, non-elite individuals could also commission portraits using tempera at lower costs compared to more expensive mediums like oil paint. This versatility helped democratize portraiture across different social classes.
• Evaluate the impact of tempera on the evolution of portraiture techniques from the Renaissance to later periods.
  • The impact of tempera on portraiture techniques is notable as it laid foundational practices that influenced subsequent mediums. The precision and detail achievable with tempera inspired artists who transitioned to oil painting, which allowed even greater depth and realism. As artists began to favor oil paints due to their flexibility and richness, many techniques learned from working with tempera continued to inform their approach. This transition reflects broader shifts in artistic priorities, with a growing emphasis on realism and emotional expression that would characterize later art movements.

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.

Oil Paint: A type of paint made by mixing pigments with oil, allowing for longer drying times and greater flexibility in blending colors compared to tempera.

Panel Painting: A painting created on a rigid support, typically wood, which often served as the surface for tempera and oil paintings during the Renaissance.