The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting

By Daniel V. Thompson

Book Overview

Revised

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486203271
• ISBN13: 9780486203270
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Dover Publications, Incorporated
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A medieval painting cookbook, not a style manual

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the "materials and techniques" were mostly on what pigments were used, and how all the different paints were manufactured. Usually using really toxic materials and methods. Don't get me wrong, it was fascinating, but not the how-to-paint in a medieval style manual that I had hoped. A great reference if you want to take your life into your hands and cook up authentic medieval paints and pigments. Mmmmm. Lead, Copper, Arsenic and Mercury, My Favorite!

Great Read!

Very interesting read if you are interested in how medieval painting was done and what methods and techniques were used. Written in a conversational format, making it a quick read.

An excellent primer for illuminators and painters

The book covers a history of carriers and grounds, binding methods and vehicles, their viscosity and transparency effects, pros and cons of different binding media, glazes and varnishes. It then gives a classification of medieval pigments and details the main pigments used to produce colours on the page, wall and panel. Mixing, reaction and permanence problems with pigments, confusion of identification, and history are described. Metals are also discussed, including types of gold media and gilding methods. This is an absolutely essential book for anyone (and especially SCAdian illuminators) interested in the building blocks of medieval painting. It will give you a good grounding in the basics and help you understand the resources, techniques and mindset of medieval artists. I cannot recommend it enough. It is also an entertaining read(if occasionally unintentionally).