Which medium was first replaced by oil paint in the 15th century?

The replacement of egg tempera by oil paint in the 15th century marked a significant shift in artistic techniques and materials during the Renaissance. Egg tempera, made by mixing pigments with a water-soluble binder, primarily egg yolk, was the dominant medium for centuries. It allowed for fine detail but dried quickly, which limited the artist's ability to blend colors effectively and work for longer durations on a single piece.

Oil paint offered advantages that transformed the painting process. Its slow drying time allowed artists to manipulate the paint over extended periods, enabling gradients, subtle blending, and more nuanced color variation. Additionally, the richness and depth of colors attainable with oil paint were greater than with egg tempera, leading to a more vivid and three-dimensional appearance in artworks.

The transition to oil paint not only influenced technical aspects of painting but also changed the subjects and styles of artwork. As artists embraced oil as a medium, they were able to explore more complex compositions and engage with light and shadow in new ways. This evolution in medium signifies a crucial turning point in art history, highlighting the progress and innovation of artists during that period.