Tempera

Tempera is a painting technique that involves using pigments mixed with a water-soluble emulsion, typically composed of water and egg yolk.

Tempera, also known as egg tempera, is a durable, quick-drying painting technique that combines pigments with a water-soluble binder, typically a sticky substance like egg yolk. It can also refer to artworks created using this method, which are known for their exceptional longevity. In fact, some egg tempera paintings from the first century AD have survived to this day.

This method was widely used for painting until around 1500, when it was replaced by oil painting. In the United States, the term ‘tempera paint’ often refers to a type of paint used for posters, but it has different binders compared to traditional tempera paint.