Origins of Wood Painting:

Wood painting is one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, dating back thousands of years and spanning numerous cultures and civilisations, such as those of Egypt and Greece. Before the widespread use of canvas, wood panels were the primary surface for painting, especially in religious, ceremonial, and decorative contexts. The origins of wood painting can be traced to ancient Egypt, where artists painted on wooden coffins, sarcophagi, and panels using mineral-based pigments and natural binders like egg (tempera). These early works were often symbolic, depicting gods, pharaohs, and scenes of the afterlife.

During the medieval period, particularly in Europe, wood panel painting became a central element in Christian religious art. Artists used poplar, oak, or walnut panels as supports for tempera and, later, oil paints. These paintings often took the form of altarpieces, icons, and devotional panels. Notable early masters, such as Giotto, Duccio, and Cimabue, created complex narratives on wood panels, ushering in a shift toward naturalism and spatial depth. During the Baroque period, carved wood gained significant popularity, particularly in the decoration of churches and palaces. The elaborate designs and intricate details of these wood carvings captivated audiences, serving as a clear testament to the exceptional skill of the Baroque artists in manipulating this material. During the Renaissance, wood painting reached new heights in both technical and artistic achievement. Artists such as Jan van Eyck and Leonardo da Vinci used carefully prepared wooden panels to create detailed and luminous oil paintings. However, as canvas became more widely available and easier to transport, wood gradually declined as the dominant surface for painting. Da Vinci's "Last Supper" was painted on wood boards. Despite this, wood remains valued for its durability, texture, and historical significance. In contemporary art, many painters and mixed-media artists return to wood as a surface, drawn to its tactile quality and structural stability.