How were traditional tempera paints made?

Traditional tempera paints were made by combining pigment and distilled water with hen’s egg yolk. The use of egg yolk as a binder gives tempera its characteristic fast-drying and matte finish. This mixture allows for a vibrant application of color, as the yolk contains proteins that help adhere the pigment to the surface being painted.

The technique of using egg yolk has historical significance, dating back to the medieval period and the Renaissance, making it a classic method for artists. The quick drying time also allows for layering and fine detail work, which was essential for many artists of that era.

The other options, while involving elements associated with paint making, do not accurately describe the traditional process for tempera. For instance, mixing pigment with linseed oil is characteristic of oil paints, not tempera. Pigments blended with egg whites would be more related to a different painting method, such as glair, rather than true tempera. Finally, using only water to dilute paints does not align with the traditional composition of tempera, which relies on the egg yolk to create the desired consistency and adherence.