The story of ultramarine from the Silk Road to Renoir
How did ultramarine go from being more expensive than gold to one of the cheapest pigments for artists?
The Alchemy of Color and Chemical Change in Medieval Manuscripts
Medieval experiments yielded vivid pigments like vermilion, mosaic gold, and verdigris—all found in these books.
Making Green: Tempera versus Oil
Pigments mixed with oil look glossy, whereas those mixed with egg yolk appear matte and flat even when layered.
Making Purple: The Science of Art
How can paint ingredients be identified? Scientists examine tiny samples and prepare pigments from old recipes.
