Egg tempera painting is beloved for its luminous quality and durability. This method uses egg yolk as a binding agent for pigments, and glazing techniques for distinctive and striking artworks. Here are some tips, techniques, history and notable artists who favor this medium.
Widely used by artists for centuries, egg tempera falls out of fashion c. 1500 as oil paints dominate the scene. However it never disappears, as shown with the painting above by Southall. Today the classic beauty of egg tempera experiences a revival among painters.
What is Egg Tempera?
Egg tempera is a fast-drying paint made from pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder, egg yolk. The result is a medium capable of fine detail and vibrant color. Known to produce luminous, translucent layers, it's characterized by its subtle sheen and ease of layering.
One layer dries in about a minute. The painting must be cured (dried) for 3 to 6 months after finish because the eggs need to reach a state of permanence. Vinegar or wine can be added to the medium beforehand, to help this process.
Prepared poster paints and finger paints are often sold as tempera. This have a different composition than the true egg tempera specifically as they use water instead of egg as a medium, making them basically watercolors. They're non-toxic and fun for kids.
Preparation
The first step involves mixing the egg yolk with water, typically in a 1:1 ratio, to create a binder for the pigment. When mixing, add dry pigment gradually for smooth, homogeneous consistency. Some people add a few drops of vinegar or honey to stabilize the paint.
Pigments
Egg tempera can use a variety of pigments, derived from either natural sources, such as minerals and earths, or synthetic ones. The type of pigment can affect the transparency and opacity of the final artwork. Pigments should be ground to a fine powder.
When making or procuring pigments, choose high-quality, lightfast materials to ensure the longevity of the piece. Earth tones like the ochers can create a vast range of warm colors. Because iron oxides are not soluble the pigment particles are actually suspended in the medium, giving a translucent glow due to light catching the minute grains.
In the past many painters use toxic pigments such as orpiment (arsenic) or red lead for their vibrant hues. Besides the toxins many of these colors darken or change over time. Orpiment for instance is brilliant yellow but eventually phases into a murky looking green.
Creating Egg Tempera Paint
To create egg tempera paint, powdered pigment or pigment ground in distilled water is mixed with a binder in roughly equal volumes. Some pigments need more binder than others. Liquid myrrh is sometimes added to the mixture when painting icons on church walls.
Myrrh also provides a pleasant scent, as the egg tempera paint can have a strong lingering odor. Consistency of the paint mixture is continuously adjusted by balancing the "grease" and "water" aspects through controlling water and yolk content.
As the tempera dries, water is added to maintain consistency and counteract the yolk's thickening on exposure to air. When dry, the paint is water resistant but not waterproof. Once prepared, egg tempera paint cannot be stored. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
One egg yolk is typically good for up to three days of painting. Variation in effects is achieved by using egg white or the whole egg. Egg white is also a historical finishing glaze. Today crystal clear finishing glazes can be found at any art store.
Substances like oil and wax emulsions can be incorporated to alter the medium. In ancient Greece artists use wax (keros), and put their palettes atop small braziers to keep it soft. Egg tempera prefers rigid painting surfaces as it's susceptible to cracks and paint chipping.
Egg tempera paintings should be allowed to cure for a minimum of 3 months, up to 6 months, during which the surface is vulnerable to scratches but gains durability over time. These paintings are not framed behind glass, to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth.
Brushes
When it comes to artist brushes, fine, stiff-haired brushes give precision and control. The most effective brush types include synthetic brushes, which create sharp lines and can hold a fine point. Egg tempera artists of the past often use small round brushes of animal tails.
Unless one is truly immersed in period painting, synthetic brushes are a good investment as they're versatile and hold their shape much better than animal hair. Typically these are softer brushes. They're also used in watercolor and ink.
Flat horsehair brushes with firm bristles can be useful for broader strokes and backgrounds, and for painting on grainy surfaces. Fan brushes are used in some paintings to dab foliage on trees. This technique is recognizable and generally associated with mass-manufactured or speedy artworks.
It's a good idea to experiment with different brush styles. The cheaper ones lose hairs, splay out and don't last long. Expensive sables look nice in a box but strike fear into an artist's heart due to cost and pristine condition.
Artists tend to have many brushes with a few favorites. Besides brushes, some artists use sponges, moss, feathers, leaves or other painting utensils. Scribes of ancient Egypt use reeds, and chew the ends into filaments to create brushes.
Painting Surface
Surfaces for egg tempera include wood panels, which must be well-prepared to avoid warping or deterioration. The traditional preparation involves creating a smooth primed surface. Historically rabbit skin glue is used as a primer. Today gesso is the usual choice.
Speaking from experience, unless there's a specific effect desired, do not paint on unprimed wood. It sucks up paint and parts of the painting can actually disappear. Surfaces such as stiff watercolor paper can also be used.
If using primed cotton canvas or linen canvas the material is best adhered to wood. Acrylic primer helps condition the surface. Do not use anything with an oil base as primer. Paint will flake off. Effects on "raw" unprimed canvas can be tested for fun.
History of Egg Tempera Painting
Egg tempera painting evidence appears in Egypt c. 2500 BCE. The technique gains prominence in the Byzantine period and is prevalent in early Renaissance art, particularly in Italy.
Artists such as Masaccio, Botticelli, and Duccio use egg tempera for stunning results on altarpieces and panel paintings. With the advent of oil painting in the 15th century, egg tempera wanes in popularity, replaced by oil painting.
Although oil painting is promoted by the Renaissance painters it's much older, dating to Buddhist murals of c. 650 AD. Poppy or walnut oils are initially used as the binder. Linseed comes later; some works of Raphael (1483 - 1520) contain both walnut and linseed.
Famous Artists Who Use Egg Tempera
Across history, many artists use egg tempera for its distinctive characteristics. People like William Blake, the Nazarenes, the Pre-Raphaelites, and Joseph Southall keep the tradition alive.
In the 20th century comes a resurgence of egg tempera. Among painters who use egg tempera are Giorgio de Chirico, Otto Dix, Eliot Hodgkin, Pyke Koch. Pietro Annigoni, who paints with a mixture of egg yolks, stand oil, and varnish.
Spanish surrealist painter Remedios Varo extensively works with egg tempera. Edvard Munch's famous 1893 painting, popularly known as The Scream, uses egg tempera, oil and pastel on cardboard.
Sandro Botticelli is best known for works like "Birth of Venus." Botticelli’s use of egg tempera is instrumental in defining the aesthetic of Early Renaissance. The iconic Florentine artist uses this medium to capture ethereal beauty and delicate nuances.
Fra Angelico: An important figure in early Renaissance art, Fra Angelico used egg tempera to create luminous altarpieces that are still celebrated for their spiritual intensity.
Andrew Wyeth: A modern master known for his detailed landscapes and portraits, Wyeth often used egg tempera to achieve a striking realism.
Giotto di Bondone: The Italian painter and architect, known for his frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, demonstrates exceptional skill with Egg Tempera, creating intimate details and vibrant colors.
Domenico Ghirlandaio: Another Italian master of the Renaissance period, Ghirlandaio, uses egg tempera in his frescoes and panel paintings. The medium's enduring appeal and luminous finish is highly praised.
above: part of Frescos of the life of Saint Francis in the Cappella Sassetti 1483-85, Domenico Ghirlandaio. Pope Leo X in background is a Medici Pope, and Duke Cosimo de' Medici is pictured in the group at bottom right between the two older men. Among other things, the Medici patronize the arts, literature and alchemy.
Tips and Pointers
For those wanting to work with egg tempera painting, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Start Small: Begin with smaller panels or surfaces.
Thin Layers: Apply multiple thin layers rather than trying to achieve full opacity in one go. This transparency can create depth and richness.
Experiment: Egg tempera can be mixed with other media or used with different brushes or wood surfaces. Experimentation is important to finding the best techniques and materials for the artist.
Drying Time: Be mindful of the drying time between layers. Egg tempera dries quickly, making it a good medium for layering. However it needs to cure for several months after.
Practice: Like any artistic endeavor, mastering egg tempera requires practice. It's a skill to learn and can be a rewarding process.
Egg tempera continues to inspire artists today. With its translucent quality and versatility, it's a strong medium for creative expression.
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