How a pigment once more expensive than gold became common
In short: Explore the dramatic economic and chemical evolution of ultramarine. This video traces how one of art history's most coveted blues transitioned from a luxury for the elite to an accessible tool for modern painters.
The National Gallery explores the journey of ultramarine, a vibrant blue pigment that was once so rare it commanded a price higher than gold. By examining iconic works like 'The Wilton Diptych' and Renoir's 'Umbrellas', the gallery illustrates how chemical production methods transformed this color from an exclusive treasure into one of the most affordable pigments available to artists.
This exploration is part of the 'Chemistry of Colour' series, which investigates the historical production techniques of various pigments. It highlights the intersection of art history and science, showing how we can identify these materials today based on their unique chemical origins.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Story of Ultramarine from the Silk Road to Renoir: The Chemistry of Colour | National Gallery
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