This paper investigates the role of egg yolk in Old Masters' oil paints. The authors explore how different distributions of proteinaceous binder (egg yolk) affect the flow behavior, drying kinetics, and chemistry of oil paints. They find that egg yolk can create stiff paints suitable for impasto, suppress paint stiffening from humidity, improve brushability, and reduce wrinkling. Furthermore, egg yolk acts as an antioxidant, slowing down curing and improving the long-term stability of the paint.
