Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a painting medium made from pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, usually egg yolk. This technique has been widely used in Early Renaissance art, allowing for vibrant colors and precise details that contribute to the lifelike quality of the works produced during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera paint dries quickly, making it ideal for creating fine details and allowing artists to work meticulously on their compositions.
2. The use of egg yolk as a binder gives tempera its characteristic matte finish, which differs significantly from the glossy finish seen in oil paintings.
3. Giotto was one of the first artists to utilize tempera in a revolutionary way, emphasizing naturalism and emotion in his figures, setting the stage for later developments in painting.
4. Fra Angelico's devotional works often employed tempera to create ethereal effects and a sense of divine light, contributing to his unique style.
5. Tempera remained popular throughout the Early Renaissance due to its ability to create vibrant colors that could withstand the test of time when applied correctly.

Review Questions

• How did Giotto's innovative use of tempera contribute to the evolution of painting techniques in the Early Renaissance?
  • Giotto's innovative use of tempera marked a significant departure from the flat, decorative styles of the previous Byzantine tradition. By employing tempera to create depth, emotion, and realistic figures, he was able to enhance the narrative quality of his works. His focus on naturalism and three-dimensionality set a new standard for painters, influencing generations to come and paving the way for the transition towards oil painting.
• In what ways did Fra Angelico’s use of tempera differ from traditional methods, and how did it affect his artistic style?
  • Fra Angelico’s use of tempera was distinctive due to his emphasis on luminous color and delicate detail. Unlike traditional methods that may prioritize bold colors or heavy outlines, Angelico's application of tempera allowed him to achieve an ethereal quality in his work, enhancing spiritual themes. This technique contributed significantly to his signature style, characterized by soft forms and a serene atmosphere that invited contemplation.
• Evaluate the impact of Byzantine influences on the use of tempera in Early Renaissance art and how it shaped artistic expressions during that time.
  • Byzantine influences played a crucial role in shaping the application of tempera in Early Renaissance art. While Byzantine art was known for its flatness and gold backgrounds, artists like Giotto began integrating more three-dimensional forms and realistic human emotion into their compositions. The transition from Byzantine aesthetics to more naturalistic portrayals marked a significant shift in artistic expression during this period, facilitating a blending of styles that led to innovations in the use of tempera and setting the foundation for future artistic developments.

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.

Oil Paint: A medium made by mixing pigments with oils, providing greater versatility and richness than tempera, which became popular later in the Renaissance.

Panel Painting:

Artworks created on wooden panels using tempera or oil paints, often featuring religious themes and detailed narratives during the Renaissance.