The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting (Paperback)

~ Daniel V. Thompson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Sums up 20th-century knowledge: paints, binders, metals, surface preparation. Based on manuscripts and scientific investigation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 239 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1956)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486203271
• ISBN-13: 978-0486203270
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #89,977 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent primer for illuminators and painters, December 1, 1998

By	C. Nevin (London, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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).

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!, July 22, 2005

By	Art E. Nthusiast (Southwest) - See all my reviews

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.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A medieval painting cookbook, not a style manual, September 17, 2009

By	Bethany E. Theilman (Jackson, MS) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

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!