WhatsApp usLong before our modern era, in which paint is artificially manufactured and ready to use, artists crafted their own paints using available resources. Before the advent of oil pigments, the medium most often used by Old Masters of the renaissance was tempera.
Above: a variety of tempera examples from the 14th to 16th centuries
From the 13th to 15th centuries, celebrated renaissance artists such as Botticelli and Michelangelo painted on intricately prepared wooden panels using a mixture of homemade ground pigments and egg yolk. This tempera mixture creates recognisable and beautiful colours, drying to form the craquelure found on many of the world’s greatest masterpieces.
Above: detail from Madonna and Child with Saints Francis and Jerome by Francesco Francia (1510) tempera on wood
As it is often found on much older examples – in comparison to the multitude of 18th and 19th century oil paintings our restoration studio sees on a daily basis – tempera may require an extremely sensitive and unique approach to ensure safe preservation. This article will discover the history and use of tempera, as well as the ways in which it can be professionally cared for and restored.
What is tempera?
Egg tempera has an extensive history, with some traces dating back to 1200 BC, as seen in the mural paintings of the Palace of Nestor in Pylos. This mixture was predominantly used from the 13th to the 15th century before artists gradually transitioned to oil paint.
Above: a Roman example of tempera on a linen shroud, 170–200 AD
The advantage of using egg yolk is that it prevents wrinkling, yellowing, and issues with humidity, and it dries quicker than oil. However, tempera dries very vibrantly and its colours turn out relatively light, it does not fade or darken easily, allowing its vivid appeal to last for centuries.
Above: detail from Madonna and Child by Master of the Magdalen (1280) tempera on wood
To mix pigments with egg yolk and achieve a precise colour palette, artists commonly used empty mussel shells as mixing vessels, discarding them after use. If you were to visit Botticelli’s workshop, it would be hard to walk without stepping on and breaking a few. From our modern point of view, this was a very sustainable method of creating masterpieces. By the high renaissance, many artists were combining tempera with oil paint to achieve their desired results.
Above: detail from Judith with the Head of Holofernes by Sandro Botticelli (1497) oil paint with tempera and gilding on panel
Painting with tempera
Tempera is traditionally applied to a wooden panel that has been coated with layers of gesso, which is a mixture of plaster, chalk, and glue. This base ensures that the tempera adheres properly and provides a smooth surface for painting. It dries very quickly, meaning that it cannot be reworked or altered after it has been applied, nor can it be mixed or diluted with other colours.
Above: a detail from Francesco Sassetti and his son Teodoro by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1488) subtle shades of blue/green are evident under the skin tones upon close inspection
To achieve realistic skin tones, some artists, such as Cennini, recommended applying one or two layers of green earth. This technique is evident in Michelangelo’s Manchester Madonna, where to achieve the flesh tones he first applied layers of green earth.
Above: detail from Madonna and Child with Angels atributed to Sandro Botticelli (1446-1510) tempera and oil on poplar panel
Following this process, it’s time to add the colour layer. To get the right tone and precise shades and colours, artists would create fine brushstrokes to fill the desired area, with their brushes almost dry, to maintain precision.
Above: detail from The Birth of the Virgin by Fra Carnevale (1467) tempera on wood
Then, to achieve a uniform result, tempera must be applied in multiple thin layers of the same colour. This meticulous and time-consuming work makes us all the more appreciative of the artists of that era.
Above: detail from Portrait of a Woman by Piero del Pollaiuolo (1480) tempera on wood
Is tempera still in use today?
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the art world saw several resurgences of the tempera painting technique, particularly among specific art movements. Notably, the Pre-Raphaelites, Social Realists, and various other groups embraced this historic medium, reintroducing its unique qualities to new generations of artists.
Above: detail from Etruscan Vase with Flowers by Odilon Redon (1910) tempera on canvas
Despite the advent of modern painting methods, tempera remains a cherished medium in places such as Greece and Russia, where it is traditionally used for creating Orthodox icons. This enduring use highlights tempera’s significant cultural and artistic value, ensuring its continuation in specific artistic and religious contexts.
How can we help?
If you have any questions about art restoration and conservation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. As part of our service we offer a nationwide collection and delivery service as well as information on worldwide shipping to our studio. E-mail us via [email protected] or call 0207 112 7576 for more information.
