What is egg tempera paint primarily composed of?

Egg tempera paint is primarily composed of pigment mixed with egg yolk. This medium has a long history and was commonly used before the widespread adoption of oil paint. The egg yolk acts as a binder, allowing the pigment to adhere to the painting surface while providing a unique consistency and sheen.

When artists mix the pigments with egg yolk, they achieve a fast-drying paint that can produce fine details and a vibrant color palette. The composition not only allows for a variety of textures and layering techniques but also elevates the translucence of the paint, contributing to its characteristic luminosity. Overall, the combination of the organic binder with pigment is key to the effectiveness and appeal of egg tempera as a painting medium.