Paneelimaalaus

Paneelimaalaus refers to a painting technique where the artwork is created on a wooden panel. This method predates canvas painting and was a dominant medium for European art, particularly during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Wooden panels, often made from oak, pine, or poplar, were carefully prepared by smoothing the surface and applying a ground layer, typically gesso, which is a mixture of plaster and animal glue. This ground provided a stable and receptive surface for the paint.

The paints used in paneelimaalaus were often oil-based or tempera. Oil paints allowed for rich colors, subtle blending, and a luminous finish. Tempera, made with pigment mixed with egg yolk, dried quickly and produced sharp, precise details. Both mediums were well-suited to the rigid surface of the panel, which prevented the cracking that could occur with canvas due to stretching and movement.

Famous examples of paneelimaalaus include Jan van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The technique allowed for incredible detail and durability, with many panel paintings surviving for centuries with remarkable preservation. While canvas painting eventually became more popular due to its lighter weight and portability, paneelimaalaus remains a significant historical painting method, appreciated for its historical context and the unique aesthetic qualities it offers.