Ultramarine

Natural ultramarine painted

Lapis-lazuli hg

Natural ultramarine pigment

Ultramarinepigment

Pigment Violet 15

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The Wilton Diptych (Right)

Ultramarine is a deep blue color pigment which was originally made by grinding lapis lazuli into a powder. The name comes from the Latin ultramarinus, literally meaning "beyond the sea," because the pigment was imported into Europe from mines in Afghanistan by Italian traders during the 14th and 15th centuries. Ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue used by painters and artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It was valued for its brilliance, stability, and natural appearance.

History

The use of ultramarine dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in Egyptian art and on the frescoes of Pompeii. However, it became particularly prominent in the art of the Renaissance period, where it was used by some of the most renowned artists, including Michelangelo and Titian. The high cost of the pigment, due to the rarity of its natural source, meant that its use was often reserved for the most important subjects, notably the robes of the Virgin Mary in Christian art.

Production

Originally, ultramarine was made from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone mined in the Sar-e-Sang mines in what is now Afghanistan. The process of making the pigment from lapis lazuli was complex and involved grinding the stone into a fine powder, mixing it with wax, oils, and other binders, then purifying it through a process of kneading and washing to remove impurities. The result was a vivid blue pigment, unmatched by any other available at the time.

In the 19th century, a synthetic version of ultramarine was developed, known as "French ultramarine." This synthetic pigment was cheaper to produce and became widely available, leading to a significant decrease in the value of natural ultramarine. Despite this, natural ultramarine made from lapis lazuli is still produced and used by some artists who prefer its unique qualities.

Characteristics

Ultramarine is known for its outstanding stability and resistance to the effects of light and air, making it an ideal pigment for use in fine art painting. It does not react with other elements, which means it retains its brilliance over time, unlike some other pigments that can fade or change color. Ultramarine has a very intense, deep blue color that is slightly violet in hue compared to other blue pigments like cobalt blue or Prussian blue.

Applications

While ultramarine is most famous for its use in art, it has also been used in a variety of other applications. It is used in the manufacture of paper, plastics, and fabrics to impart a brilliant blue color. In addition, it is used in cosmetics, particularly in eyeshadows and other makeup products. Ultramarine is also used in the production of colored glass and in the printing industry for inks and dyes.

Cultural Significance

The cultural significance of ultramarine is largely tied to its historical use in art. Its association with the Virgin Mary and its use in significant religious and cultural artworks have imbued the pigment with a sense of spirituality and importance. The effort and expense required to obtain natural ultramarine in the past also contributed to its mystique and value in the eyes of artists and patrons alike.