Perhaps no one specific story but the continued reference to the danger of using the original highly poisonous compounds to achieve colour in art works. I am always amazed at the journey that humans take to achieve an objective and the journey to achieve dyes and pigments through history is enlightening and interesting.
Since first studying art at high school I was aware of toxic/deadly pigments, but wasn’t aware of Scheele’s green – what an horrific pigment discovery, and those poor parents losing their children due to their interior decorating choice.
However, the entire collection of stories was fascinating!
I loved the story of the precious lapis lazuli coming from only one place in Afghanistan. It conjures up romantic images for me of the many people who would have traded and transported it into Europe. Also the Tyrian Purple from the sea snails: I can’t imagine how there were ever enough snails to create the dye!
I love that the history of pigments reveals trade links between cultures across the world. Also the continuing use of ochres in First Nations art with its important links to country and tradition.
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Perhaps no one specific story but the continued reference to the danger of using the original highly poisonous compounds to achieve colour in art works. I am always amazed at the journey that humans take to achieve an objective and the journey to achieve dyes and pigments through history is enlightening and interesting.
Since first studying art at high school I was aware of toxic/deadly pigments, but wasn’t aware of Scheele’s green – what an horrific pigment discovery, and those poor parents losing their children due to their interior decorating choice.
However, the entire collection of stories was fascinating!
Loved to learn about the history of colour, from Egyptian Blue, the first synthetic pigment to modern organic pigments.
Oops – should say Emerald Green, not Scheele’s green…
I loved the story of the precious lapis lazuli coming from only one place in Afghanistan. It conjures up romantic images for me of the many people who would have traded and transported it into Europe. Also the Tyrian Purple from the sea snails: I can’t imagine how there were ever enough snails to create the dye!
I love that the history of pigments reveals trade links between cultures across the world. Also the continuing use of ochres in First Nations art with its important links to country and tradition.
All of them! I loved reading about the different colours and how they came to being. Toxic Emerald green on wallpapers and ball gowns..yikes!