Tempera. A paint and process involving an emulsion of oil and water. Any binding agent that hardens can be used, but egg yolk is the most common; thus the term 'egg-tempera'. Egg tempera is the second oldest painting medium, dating back to the early Egyptians. While the advent of oil paints during the Renaissance made it technologically obsolete, it enjoyed renewed popularity as a medium in the late 18th century.

"The Annunciation" (1430-32) Tempera on wood. Fra Angelico

Related Terms: Medium, Pigment, Binder, Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Fresco, Pastel, Gouache, Encaustic.