Pigments of the Past: Egg Tempera x Divine Thresholds

How did artisans from the past colour their world before the invention of modern paints? What is egg tempera, and how was it made and used?

Join a Hellenic Museum curator for a hands-on workshop exploring the history and materiality of pigments, with a special focus on the medium of egg tempera, as part of the wider programming for Divine Thresholds: Icons and the Orthodox Christian World.

Beginning with a brief tour of this new major exhibition, participants will learn about the history of Orthodox icons and how they were – and continue to be – created, what pigments were used, the symbolism behind colours, and how they were prepared and applied.

Then it's time to step into the workshop space and engage directly with the materials of the past. Handle traditional pigment ingredients, examine the textures and qualities that defined this historical painting practise, and have the opportunity to handle real and replica artefacts, taking a close-up look at decorative styles for inspiration.

Finally, you'll be guided through the process of blending your own paint using the ancient method of egg tempera, which you can then use to practice motifs or create your own artwork on two small canvases. Come away with a deeper understanding of historical pigments, a connection to historic artistic practises, and your own artwork to take home.

Please note, this workshop is an introduction to the medium of egg tempera and will not be instructing participants on the practice of Iconography.

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