PB15 CI#74160
45% of Phthalocyanine Blue in a tube
Toxicity: Toxic
Lightfastness: 8/8
This hue is characterized by its rich, dark blue tone with a slight greenish undertone.
Phthalocyanine Blue is known for its high tinting strength and intensity. Even where the paint is thinly applied, it maintains a strong color presence.
This pigment's ability to create such a strong, dark blue while still maintaining its chromatic identity is what makes it a staple in many artists' palettes for creating dramatic shadows, night scenes, or as a base for mixing other deep, rich colors.
History:
Phthalocyanine was accidentally discovered in 1907 by Swiss chemists at the University of Basel during the production of phthalimide. In 1927, scientists at Scottish Dyes Ltd. synthesized copper phthalocyanine, which became the basis for Phthalocyanine Blue.
Artists quickly recognized its potential due to its intense color and excellent lightfastness. It began appearing in artworks in the late 1930s and 1940s.
Famous Works:
- Roy Lichtenstein, a pop art pioneer, utilized Phthalocyanine Blue in his bold, comic-inspired paintings.
