Pigments (L24) Flashcards
If applied to a surface harder than itself, a mineral can be used as an ____
artistic medium
for most minerals, what must happen to produce a workable pigment in a suspension or paste?
they have to be crushed, powdered, and mixed
What were the first paints probably made out of?
basic mixtures of pigment, animal fats, possibly clay, as well as “filler” material to help it stick
What is Hematite?
an Iron Oxide used as red ochre
What is Limonite?
An iron oxyhydroxide used as yellow ochre
What was an early form of the method “fresco”?
Egyptian aritsts covered limestone walls of their tombs with a fine layer of plaster, onto which they painted various scenes
what did early Egyptian painters usually use?
black, red, yellow, brown, blue, and green
In what other way did Egyptians use pigments?
as cosmetics
red ochre for lips
eye-makeup or “Kohl” containing several diff powdered minerals
What is Pigment Vermillion and what is it famous for?
made from the mineral cinnabar used by the Roman’s to paint the face of Jupiter’s statue and still used in Chinese caligraphy
In what other way did Romans use Pigment Vermillion?
as it is toxic when ingested, romans would sentence criminals to work in the cinnabar mines
What rock was used to create the color blue?
Lapis Lazuli (consists of mineral lazurite)
Why is it called “Royal blue”
b/c it was difficult to obtain and super expensive so it was reserved for paintings of religious significance or for royalty
What mineral created the pigment green?
a green coloured copper silicate hydroxide mineral called dioptase
reserved for depictions of religious icons as it was rare
What mineral did Queen Elizabeth 1 use as cosmetics?
Cerussite (lead carbonate) which is very poisonous
What is hematite and mica used in to this day?
hematite - red paint and lipstick
mica - adds a glitter effect to lipstick and eyeshadow
