Tempera painting is a painting technique that uses pigments mixed with an aqueous binder, such as egg white or water. It is one of the oldest painting techniques and has been used throughout the history of art in different cultures and periods. Tempera is known for its opacity, durability, and ability to create fine, precise details.
The tempera painting process generally involves the following steps:
1. Surface Preparation: The surface on which the paint is to be applied is prepared with a primer (gesso) to seal and provide a uniform surface for the paint. This may include stretching and preparing the canvas, or applying a coat of gesso to paper, wood, or other substrate.
2. Mixing colors: Tempera pigments are mixed with water or egg white to create a smooth, homogeneous paste. Artists can mix colors on the palette to create a wide range of tones and shades, although tempera tends to be less flexible than other techniques in terms of color mixing.
3. Layering: Tempera is applied in thin, opaque layers, using brushes or spatulas to create details and textures. Artists can work in successive layers to build the shape and structure of the paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
4. Detail and Finish: Once the paint has completely dried, artists can add fine details and finishing touches to the work, using techniques such as stippling, line drawing and shading. Tempera dries quickly and can be easily corrected while wet, allowing adjustments and corrections to be made during the painting process.
Some great exponents of tempera painting include:
1. Giotto di Bondone (c. 1266-1337): One of the most influential artists of the Italian Renaissance, Giotto used tempera in many of his masterpieces, including his famous frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. His masterful use of tempera helped establish the foundations of Renaissance painting.
2. Fra Angelico (c. 1395-1455): Known for his devotional style and his ability to capture spirituality in his works, Fra Angelico used tempera in his religious paintings and frescoes in the Dominican monasteries of Florence. His work influenced many later artists of the Italian Renaissance.
3. Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445-1510): Another prominent artist of the Italian Renaissance, Botticelli used tempera in his famous works such as “The Birth of Venus” and “Spring.” His distinctive use of tempera contributed to his poetic and elegant style.
4. Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1450-1516): Known for his mysterious and fantastical paintings, Bosch used tempera in his works to create chiaroscuro effects and intricate details. His work influenced the development of surrealist and symbolist art in later centuries.
5. Domenico Ghirlandaio (1448-1494): Ghirlandaio was a prominent Florentine painter of the late Renaissance, known for his frescoes and religious paintings. He used tempera in many of his works to achieve vibrant colors and fine details.
These are just a few examples of the many artists who have left an indelible mark on the history of tempera painting with their technical mastery and visionary creativity. Each of them has contributed to the development and evolution of this revered painting technique.
