PR255 CI#561050
65% of Vermilion Red (hue) in a tube
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Lightfastness: 8/8
Drying time: Fast
Color/ Tone: Deep blue with a red-violet undertone (warmer than Phthalo Blue)
Transparency: Semi-transparent—ideal for glazing and optical mixing
Ultramarine Blue (PB29, CI# 77007) is one of the most revered pigments in art, famed for its radiant, deep blue hue with subtle violet undertones. Historically made from crushed lapis lazuli, it was more precious than gold in the Renaissance—today, its synthetic form remains a cornerstone of artists’ palettes worldwide.
History:
In the 6th–7th Century CE, Lapis Lazuli was first used in Afghanistan. In Medieval Europe, it was imported via Venice, earning the name "ultramarine" (Latin: "beyond the sea").
In 1824, a French chemist Jean-Baptiste Guimet devised a lab-made version, slashing costs. In the 1880s, industrial production made it accessible to all artists.
Famous Works:
- Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675): "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (1665), "The Milkmaid" (1658)
- Titian (c. 1488–1576): "Bacchus and Ariadne" (1523)
