Important information about tourism in Costa Rica - Florida

In Renaissance painting, artists frequently used egg tempera with a pigment called terre verte (green earth) as an underpainting color for flesh tones.

Michelangelo used it for his altarpiece known as the "Manchester Madonna," which remains unfinished. 

According to Smithsonian:

"Tempera was widely used because of its durable, multi-purpose applications. The paint was not affected by humidity or temperature and could be used to create various transparent and opaque effects. Once dried, its satin luster resembles modern acrylic paints. The yolk-based paint is prepared by mixing colored, powdered pigments with a water-soluble binder—in this case, eggs. Then, the paint is finished off with a few drops of vinegar to prevent cracking once the paint dries. Because the paint dries so fast, artists have to keep adding water as they work. Rather than paper or canvas, tempera works best on solid wooden surfaces where it's less prone to cracking. The color is also found adorning mummy caskets of ancient Egypt, wood panels from the Byzantine." 

Article in Smithsonian: Egg Yolk Gives Tempera Paint Its Enhanced Coverage and Spreadable Properties

Thanks, Susan Menke