Color also traveled.

Color has always played a significant role in human history, art, and culture. But did you know that color has also traveled throughout the world, influencing cultures and societies far beyond its place of origin? In this blog, we will explore the fascinating history of color and how it has traveled across continents and cultures.

Okay so, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am not an avid reader or not even a reader. I do not write much. I am not an art student but I've always wanted to know the history of artists and colors. So I borrowed some books to learn and understand. Here's a compilation of a recent book I read on the history of color, it's called "Color in the Making".

Color also traveled

We were all a bunch of storytellers and still are.

Human beings, since time immemorial, were always wanted to tell stories. About war, about kings, they wanted to tell their story. They carved stones, then they used chalks, and so on.

In my opinion, paintings either tell stories, or they have stories. At least all my paintings have a story to them. An inspiration. It could be a person or a favorite artist's work. Or my impression of the piece by an artist that really inspired me.

Color in the making.

" Early indigenous cultures all over the world have particular color associations, many of which are intricately bound to our associations with that culture. Imagine the Ancient Egyptians without the first developed synthetic blue pigment, created from crushed blue glass, or the early Aztecs without sumptuous red cloth derived from the cochineal beetle found on the leaves of cacti, or the 100,000 year-old ochre slates at Blombos in South Africa, the first known use of markings as human language, without which we would have no idea that human kind was so complex so long ago. The use of lead white is synonymous with the Ancient Greeks; and vermilion with the Romans. Color also traveled. Reds found in ancient Chinese temples didn't make it to the West until the twelfth century."

from the book COLOR IN THE MAKING.

Indigo

Indigo is a deep blue dye that has been used in textile production for centuries. It originated in India, where it was made from the indigo plant. From there, it traveled across the world, becoming an important part of textile production in Africa and the Americas. In Africa, indigo was used to create intricate textiles such as the adire cloth in Nigeria and the bogolanfini cloth in Mali. In the Americas, indigo was a significant crop in the southern colonies, where it was used to dye cotton and linen fabrics. Indigo also played a role in the American Revolution, as colonists used it to dye their clothes blue, a symbol of their rebellion against British rule.

Indigo in Vermeer's Painting

Vermeer is known to have used indigo in only two works. It can be found in an admixture with smalt and in the deep blue robe (fig. 1) of the seated Christ in Christ in the House of Martha and Mary. This is the only deep blue color in Vermeer's oeuvre where natural ultramarine cannot be found.

The presence of indigo was recently detected with weld in a deep green glaze which covered the dark tone of the background of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. This glaze has almost entirely degraded. It was originally a smooth, glossy, translucent green that imparted depth and, perhaps, the precious quality of enamel to the background.

Cochineal

Cochineal is a bright red dye made from the cochineal insect, which is found in Central and South America. It was used by the Aztecs and Maya civilizations for centuries before the arrival of Europeans.

After the Spanish conquest of the Americas, cochineal became an important trade item. It was highly valued in Europe and became a significant source of income for Spain. Cochineal was used to dye fabrics, including the bright red coats worn by British soldiers during the American Revolution.

The red pigment was also used in paints, like those used by Raphael in his Portrait of a Cardinal. Raphael/Public Domain

Henna

Henna is a plant-based dye that has been used for centuries in the Middle East and South Asia to create intricate patterns on the skin. It is often used in religious and cultural ceremonies, such as weddings and festivals.

In recent years, henna has become popular in Western countries, where it is often used as temporary body art. It has also been incorporated into mainstream fashion, with henna-inspired designs appearing on clothing and accessories.

Conclusion

Color has traveled across the world, influencing cultures and societies far beyond its place of origin. Indigo from India, cochineal from Central and South America, and henna from the Middle East and South Asia are just a few examples of the ways in which color has traveled and become a part of global culture. Color is not only a means of expression but also a symbol of culture and history. By understanding the history of color and its significance in different cultures, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its beauty and impact on the world.