THE SECRETS OF MEDIEVAL PAINTING
EGG TEMPERA ON 24k GOLD LEAF
Medieval masters discovered long ago that egg yolk was the perfect binder for glossy and glazed paintings. This workshop, held in an historical palace in the heart of Florence will allow you to feel like one of Giotto’s apprentices when he first entered the great master’s “bottega” (workshop).
You will see and handle a wide selection of material used at the time: ancient and precious colors like lapis lazuli (lapis) or azurite; lacquers such as cochineal, and many other pigments. You will learn about their history and use throughout the centuries, and how Giotto used them.
You will try your hand with egg tempera by paining a “miniatura” (miniature) of Florence’s Dome on a 23,3/4k gold leaf mounted on paper which you will take home with you as a keepsake of this incredible and unique experience. The workshop lasts between 1,5/ 2 hours.
Highlights
- Egg tempera:
- how to make it, how to use it;
- How Giotto painted:
- his gilding technique
- Ancient pigments:
- Pigments linked to wine (white, green and black)
- Precious pigments (lapis and azurite)
- Pigments linked to the history of food (zaffron and kermes lacquer)
Practice
- Mixing and making of egg tempera
- “Cornice” (frame) tripartite layout technique
- Drawing borders and painted backgrounds (“campiture”)
- Varnishing
- Mounting your own “miniatura” and take it home with you!