Which type of binding agent is typically used in tempera painting?

Tempera painting traditionally uses egg yolk as the binding agent. The significance of egg yolk lies in its role in emulsifying the pigments and allowing them to adhere to the painting surface. Egg yolk contains proteins that help bind the pigment particles together, producing a stable paint medium that dries quickly and has a matte finish. This medium allows for precise detail and a smooth application, which is characteristic of tempera painting.

Other binding agents, such as oil, water-soluble wax, and resin, serve different types of paint. For example, oil is the primary binder in oil paints, providing a slow-drying, flexible finish. Water-soluble wax is often found in encaustic or certain modern mediums but does not function in the same way as egg yolk in traditional tempera. Resin, on the other hand, is utilized in varnishes and some types of synthetic paints, but it is not relevant to the classic tempera technique. Thus, egg yolk stands out as the quintessential binding agent in tempera painting, anchoring its historical and technical context effectively.