Blog
Stories of pigments, color and craft, written over the years.
Azurite, the azurium citramarinum
Azurite Blue was one of the most used blues in Europe by artists active between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Prussian Blue , the oldest synthetic pigment born from a mistake
Prussian Blue is one of the oldest synthetic pigments, first prepared in Berlin and obtained by mistake.
Egyptian Blue, the first artificial pigment in history
It often happens that the best products are the result of errors. This is not the case here: Egyptian Blue is the result of the careful combining of ingredients
Indigo, the color given by plants
Indigo is an organic substance whose name evokes distant places reminding us of India: from the Greek indikon, meaning "blue color from India"
Madder Lake, the vegetable red appreciated by artists
In the vast artistic panorama, there are different raw materials to obtain the color red: one of these is called Madder Lake.
Maya Blue, the double nature of an ancient pigment
We are in Bonampak, Mexico, a Mayan archaeological site. Among the colors used, one in particular catches our attention: Maya Blue.
Ultramarine Blue, the precious pigment extracted from lapis lazuli
Lapis, from the Latin rock, and lazuli from the Persian blue, identifies lapis lazuli, a rock used to prepare the precious Ultramarine Blue.
Sienna Earth: a gift from Earth to color human history
In the long journey that led Earth pigments to the present day, Sienna Earths have earned an excellent reputation.
Vivianite, a rare blue pigment
Iron is the metallic element responsible for the blue colour of vivianite which it’s known by artists as blue ochre.
Cochineal, the red color landed in Europe from Mexico
Cochineal keeps always surprising us, an intense and vibrant pigment, with its history full of traditions.
Black and its hues: vine charcoal
One of the most appreciated and fancy pigment was the vine black made by carbonizing vine stalks and other residues obtained in the process of winemaking.
Malachite: discovering an old green pigment
In Egypt, malachite powder was used as an eyeshadow. In Renaissance was the most stunning and appreciated color by the painter of that time.