119. The Ancient art of Egg Tempera Painting with Artist and Author Dr. Ursula Betka

Susan Nethercote Studio Insider Art Podcast

Dr. Ursula Betka was one of my favourite lecturers and tutors during my 6 years at Melbourne University studying art history in the 1990’s. Her area of specialisation, in which she has a Ph.D, focused on Medieval and Renaissance sacred images.

On 3rd December, Ursula’s beautiful new book, published by Hardie Grant, is coming out and I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy. Titled “Techniques of Painting and Gilding in Late Medieval and Early Renaissance Italy. Egg Tempera and Gold Leaf on Wood Panel”, this sumptuously illustrated, hard back book is a detailed technical manual on the time-honoured painting tradition of egg tempera, used historically for sacred images of the Madonna and Child.

Ursula works in a range of historical materials and methods such as egg tempera painting and gilding on wood, parchment and glass, exploring ways in which these traditions and techniques might convey profound beauty and resonate meaning today. Ursula integrates her practice with the teaching and writing of art history by examining the function and context of sacred art objects and the ways in which artistic creation expresses the yearnings of the soul.

The enduring symbolic values associated with pigments and colours, exotic decorative fabrics and various landscape and architectural settings is also explored.

Ursula’s book-launch coincides with an exhibition of works featured in the book. See the links below for details and where to buy Ursula's book.

Links for this episode:

See the full blog post for this episode

Buy Ursula’s book- Australia Independent bookshop

Buy Ursula’s book- Amazon

See Ursula’s exhibition Nov 18-Dec 6 2024

Artist Demonstration workshops

Ursula’s Instagram

Ursula does not have a website, feel free to email her at [email protected] or contact her on Instagram

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