ancient pigments
Old-world paint materials
Ancient pigments are coloring substances used in art and decoration from antiquity through the pre-modern era.
The term encompasses natural minerals like ochre, lapis lazuli, and cinnabar, as well as manufactured colors like Egyptian blue and lead white.
Artists and conservators study ancient pigments to understand historical techniques, authenticate works, and guide restoration: Analysis revealed the painting used ancient pigments consistent with its claimed medieval origin.
- ochreIron-rich earth pigment
- burnt siennaReddish-brown pigment color
- raw umberUnheated brown earth pigment
- cochinealInsect-sourced red colorant
- hematiteIron oxide ore
cinnabar · cave paintings · tomb paintings · iron oxide · indigo · natural dyes · fresco painting · gold leaf · malachite · lapis lazuli · madder · religious iconography · verdigris · Tyrian purple · red · mineral · saffron · sepia