Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a medium of painting that uses pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk. This technique has been a significant part of the artistic practices in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, where it was often used in wall paintings and decorative arts. Its ability to create vibrant colors and fine details made tempera an essential choice for artists, influencing the stylistic developments and regional variations in art over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera was widely used in ancient Egyptian art for painting on wood, papyrus, and walls due to its quick-drying properties.
2. The egg yolk binder in tempera allows for a rich color saturation and a unique matte finish that distinguishes it from other mediums like oil paint.
3. Tempera paintings are known for their durability and longevity; many ancient works have survived for thousands of years due to the stable nature of the medium.
4. Different regions developed their own styles of tempera painting, influenced by local materials and cultural practices, leading to diverse artistic expressions.
5. Tempera is often layered to build up depth and texture, allowing artists to achieve intricate details in their compositions.

Review Questions

• How does tempera as a medium influence the techniques used in painting compared to oil paint?
  • Tempera influences painting techniques primarily due to its quick-drying nature and its use of an egg yolk binder. Artists using tempera must work quickly and often layer their colors to build up depth since the medium dries fast. In contrast, oil paint allows for more blending and manipulation over time due to its slow drying process, enabling different approaches to texture and detail in artwork. This leads to distinct stylistic choices influenced by the medium's characteristics.
• Discuss how regional styles are reflected in the use of tempera across different cultures throughout history.
  • Regional styles in the use of tempera can be seen through variations in technique, subject matter, and cultural significance. For example, ancient Egyptian art utilized tempera for religious themes and detailed representation, while Italian Renaissance artists adapted it for more humanistic portrayals. These cultural differences shaped how artists approached composition and color, showcasing how local traditions influenced the application of tempera across regions. Thus, tempera not only served as a practical medium but also as a means of cultural expression.
• Evaluate the impact of tempera on the evolution of decorative arts in ancient Egypt and how it compares to other artistic mediums over time.
  • Tempera significantly impacted the evolution of decorative arts in ancient Egypt by providing a versatile medium for intricate designs and vivid colors on various surfaces. Its durability allowed artworks to endure the test of time, contributing to the preservation of cultural narratives through art. Compared to other mediums like fresco or oil paint, which had different properties and applications, tempera's unique qualities fostered distinct artistic innovations. As artists experimented with layering and techniques in tempera, they created a rich tapestry of visual storytelling that influenced future artistic developments.

Related terms

Fresco: A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the pigments to bond with the wall surface.

Gesso: A white paint mixture made of chalk and a binder, applied to surfaces before painting to create a smooth base for tempera and other mediums.

Pigment: A natural or synthetic substance that imparts color to paint, inks, or other materials.