Tempera
A type of paint made by mixing colored powder with egg yolk.
What is it?
Tempera is a fast-drying paint that artists used for centuries before oil paint became popular. It is made by mixing pigment (colored powder) with egg yolk and water. Tempera dries quickly and gives a matte finish. It was used by many Italian Renaissance artists, including Carlo Crivelli. Crivelli's painting of the Madonna and Child with Saints was painted with tempera on wood panel. Tempera allows for fine details and bright colors.
Why it matters
Tempera was the main painting material for many famous artworks. Understanding tempera helps you appreciate the skill of early painters.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more tempera paintings.
