Final answer:
The binding agent for tempera paint is egg yolk, which is meticulously mixed with water and mineral pigments to form a durable and detailed finish. This traditional mixture, known for its fine matte glazes, utilized egg yolk as an emulsifier and drying agent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The binding agent for tempera paint is traditionally egg yolk. This component acts as a film-forming element, holding the pigments together and allowing the paint to dry to a solid state. Historically, egg tempera paint was a popular mixture that combined egg yolk, water, and finely ground mineral pigments. The egg yolk serves as a natural emulsifier and drying agent, producing a durable matte finish once applied. Tempera paintings were characterized by their detailed glazes built up in thin layers through meticulous crosshatching techniques.
Aside from egg yolk, other natural resources like animal fat and spit were used in primitive paint mixtures, but for the creation of more enduring and adhesive paints, egg yolk proved to be superior. In the realm of tempera paint, no other ingredients such as milk, wax, oil, or honey serve as the principal binder; they may be additives or ingredients for other types of paints or painting techniques.