Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk, which dries quickly and produces a matte finish. This technique was particularly prominent in Medieval art, allowing artists to create vibrant colors and detailed textures while providing a sense of luminosity and depth in their works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera paint is known for its quick drying time, which forces artists to work rapidly and can lead to distinct layering techniques.
2. This medium allowed for precise detailing, making it a favored choice for illuminated manuscripts and panel paintings during the Medieval era.
3. Tempera creates a unique matte finish that differs from oils, giving artworks a distinctive appearance that can convey different moods.
4. Unlike oil paints, tempera is less flexible when dried, which can limit the techniques available to artists compared to other mediums.
5. Many famous Medieval works, including altarpieces and religious icons, utilized tempera for its ability to retain bright colors over time.

Review Questions

• How does the use of tempera influence the techniques artists employed during the Medieval period?
  • The use of tempera greatly influenced artists by encouraging precision and detailed work due to its quick drying properties. Artists had to apply pigments rapidly before they dried, leading to techniques that emphasized layering and careful planning. This method allowed for intricate designs and vivid colors, making it ideal for religious themes prevalent in Medieval art.
• In what ways does tempera differ from oil paint in terms of application and visual outcome?
  • Tempera differs from oil paint primarily in its composition and drying time. While tempera uses egg yolk as a binder and dries quickly to a matte finish, oil paint utilizes linseed oil and can remain workable for longer periods. This difference not only affects application techniques but also the final appearance; tempera results in a more opaque and less glossy surface compared to the rich depth and glossiness achievable with oil paints.
• Evaluate the impact of tempera on the preservation and longevity of artworks created during the Medieval era.
  • Tempera has had a significant impact on the preservation of Medieval artworks due to its composition and drying characteristics. Unlike oil paints, which can become discolored or deteriorate over time, tempera tends to retain its vibrant colors much longer. The durability of tempera paintings contributes to their survival through centuries, allowing modern audiences to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and color choices made by artists of that period. This longevity plays a crucial role in understanding the artistic techniques and cultural values of Medieval times.

Related terms

Fresco: A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the colors to become an integral part of the wall surface.

Egg yolk: The yellow part of an egg, commonly used as a binder in tempera paints due to its ability to adhere pigments and create a smooth application.

Panel painting: A method of painting on a flat surface, often wood, which was commonly used in combination with tempera during the Medieval period.