This is the authentic formulation used since the Renaissance. Much of the religious panel painting done between the 12th and 15th century was done in this delicate and subtle medium, which is capable of detailed and complex effects. Sennelier Egg Tempera is famous as the medium used by Marc Chagall in many of his most spectacular works.

Egg tempera is a water soluble and highly archival painting medium, wonderful for fine art painting, restoration, and icon painting. It’s perfect as an underpainting for oil painters, or for artists seeking a highly pigmented, professional alternative to oil paints and solvents.

Sennelier egg tempera has working qualities and a finish that is only found in authentic egg tempera made in the traditional manner. These delicate colors hold their brush strokes, and do not change when dry. Egg tempera can be worked with a brush or a palette knife (diluted with water) on non-greasy supports like acrylic primed canvas or paper.

Impasto techniques are not recommended for egg tempera. Use varnish over egg tempera paintings for an oil painting like appearance. Sennelier recommends giving a finished egg tempera painting a coating of charcoal or pastel fixative before applying a final oil paint picture varnish.

View a full colour chart here.