Tradition, Process, and Global Influence in Indian and World Art
What is Tempera Painting?
Tempera painting is an ancient and traditional art technique used across cultures, including in India. In this method, natural pigments are mixed with a binding agent like egg yolk, natural glue, or casein (a milk protein). This mixture creates thick, quick-drying paint that produces rich colours and sharp details.
Tempera was especially popular before the invention of oil paints and is known for its durability and fine finish.
Key Characteristics of Tempera Technique
1. Binding Material
The core of tempera painting is the binder. The most traditional form is **egg tempera**, where egg yolk is mixed with pigments. This technique was widely used during medieval Europe and the Renaissance. Other binders include natural glue or milk-based casein.
2. Nature of Colours
Tempera colours are:
* Thick and opaque
* Fast-drying
* Matte in finish (non-glossy)
* Perfect for capturing fine, detailed work
3. Painting Surface
Tempera paint works best on hard, smooth surfaces. Common surfaces include:
* Wooden panels
* Walls (for murals)
* Handmade thick paper
Before painting, surfaces are coated with ’gesso’ (a white mixture of chalk and glue), which helps the paint adhere better and enhances brightness.
Tempera Painting in Indian Tradition
India has a rich tradition of tempera, especially in ancient mural art. One of the most significant examples is found in the ‘Ajanta Caves’ (2nd century BCE to 6th century CE). These murals were created on walls prepared with layers of cow dung, mud, pounded cloth, rice husk, and linseed oil, followed by a smooth finish. Mineral colours were then applied using tempera techniques.
Other notable sites include:
Badami (Karnataka) Sittanavasal (Tamil Nadu) Thanjavur (Tanjore) Cochin (Kerala)
In Indian miniature painting traditions such as the Rajasthani, Mughal, and Pahari schools, a related technique called ‘gouache’ evolved. This involves applying multiple layers of opaque colours and adding white highlights to create depth and brilliance.
Tempera in Ancient Chinese Art
Tempera painting was also widely practiced in ‘ancient China’, particularly during the Chou, Tang, Sung, and Ming dynasties. Chinese artists:
* Prepared the surface with a glue or gum solution
* Sometimes used alum water (fitkari) to smooth and strengthen the base
* Applied natural pigments mixed with binding agents
Modern Revival: Bengal School and Indian Artists
In the 20th century, tempera painting saw a revival through the ‘Bengal School of Art’. Key artists include:
Gaganendranath Tagore Abanindranath Tagore Nandalal Bose Jamini Roy Ganesh Pyne
These artists used tempera innovatively to express Indian themes, mythology, and folk traditions, breathing new life into this age-old technique.
Famous Frescoes Related to Tempera Art
Though tempera and fresco are different techniques, they are often connected in mural traditions. Fresco involves applying pigments on wet plaster, allowing the colour to become part of the wall.
Famous fresco masterpieces include:
1. “The Last Supper” – Leonardo da Vinci
Time: c. 1495–1498 , Location: Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy Note: A blend of fresco and tempera
2. “The School of Athens” – Raphael
Time: 1509–1511 Location: Vatican City A masterpiece of true fresco
3. Sistine Chapel Ceiling – Michelangelo
Time: 1508–1512 Location: Vatican City Epic fresco scenes from Genesis
4. Ajanta Caves Frescoes – India
Time: 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE Artists: Unknown Buddhist monks Themes: Life of Buddha and Jataka tales
5. Sittanavasal Cave Frescoes – Tamil Nadu
Time: 7th century CE Artists: Jain monks Themes: Lotus ponds, fish, birds, and spiritual harmony
Conclusion: The Timeless Legacy of Tempera Painting
Tempera painting is more than just an art technique — it is a legacy of traditional wisdom and creative mastery. From the sacred caves of India to Renaissance Europe, it has captured cultural and spiritual stories with precision and beauty.
Today, modern artists and art schools continue to embrace tempera for its historical value, fine detailing, and visual richness, bridging the past and present in every brushstroke.