Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, often egg yolk. This technique allows for vibrant colors and fine detail, making it a popular choice in the creation of art before the widespread use of oil paints. The quick-drying nature of tempera also means that artists must work swiftly to blend colors and achieve desired effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera paint dries quickly, which requires artists to apply it in layers or work rapidly to blend colors.
2. Tempera is known for its matte finish and clarity of color, often resulting in luminous artworks that maintain their brightness over time.
3. Historically, tempera was commonly used during the Renaissance period, especially in panel paintings before oil paint became more prevalent.
4. It can be applied to various surfaces, such as wood panels or canvas, after being primed with gesso to ensure better adhesion and color vibrancy.
5. Unlike oil paints, tempera does not yellow over time and is less likely to crack, making it a durable choice for artworks.

Review Questions

• How does the composition of tempera affect the way artists apply it compared to other painting mediums?
  • The composition of tempera, primarily made from colored pigments and egg yolk as a binder, creates a medium that dries quickly. This rapid drying time forces artists to apply the paint in layers or work swiftly to achieve desired blending effects. In contrast to oil paints, which allow for longer working times and smooth blending, tempera demands precision and speed during application, influencing the techniques artists use.
• Discuss the historical significance of tempera in art during the Renaissance period and how it influenced artistic practices.
  • During the Renaissance period, tempera played a crucial role in artistic practices before oil paint gained dominance. It was favored for its ability to produce vibrant colors and fine details, allowing artists like Botticelli and Fra Angelico to create intricate works. The transition from tempera to oil paint marked a significant shift in techniques and styles, as artists began exploring new possibilities for texture and layering that oil paints offered.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of using tempera as a painting medium compared to modern alternatives like acrylics.
  • Tempera offers unique advantages such as vibrant color clarity and durability without yellowing or cracking over time. However, its quick drying time can be limiting for detailed work requiring blending. In comparison, acrylic paints provide similar vibrancy but offer greater flexibility in terms of drying times and layering. Evaluating these aspects reveals how each medium caters to different artistic needs and preferences, reflecting the evolution of painting techniques through history.

Related terms

Gesso: A primer made from a mixture of chalk and glue used to prepare surfaces for painting, particularly in tempera techniques.

Egg Yolk: The primary binding agent in traditional tempera paint, providing a rich, luminous quality to the paint while also being water-soluble.

Fresco: A technique of mural painting where water-based pigments are applied to freshly laid wet plaster, contrasting with the use of tempera on dry surfaces.