Ultramarine Blue

Definition

Ultramarine blue is a vibrant blue pigment that originated from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone, and became highly sought after in the art world during the International Gothic style. This pigment was prized for its rich hue and depth, symbolizing wealth and prestige, which made it a popular choice among artists in this period for its ability to create luminous and captivating works of art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ultramarine blue was first created in the 6th century but became widely used in the 14th and 15th centuries during the International Gothic style.
2. The color was extremely expensive due to the labor-intensive process of extracting lapis lazuli and grinding it into pigment.
3. Artists used ultramarine blue to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her importance and divine nature in religious art.
4. The introduction of synthetic ultramarine in the 19th century made the pigment more accessible and affordable, transforming its use in art.
5. Ultramarine blue has excellent lightfastness, meaning it does not fade easily when exposed to light, making it a lasting choice for artists.

Review Questions

• How did the rarity and cost of ultramarine blue influence its use in artwork during the International Gothic style?
  • Ultramarine blue's rarity and high cost, due to its derivation from lapis lazuli, meant that it was primarily used by wealthy patrons who wanted to convey status through their commissioned artworks. This pigment was often reserved for significant figures or religious imagery, such as the robes of the Virgin Mary, underscoring her importance. Consequently, the use of ultramarine blue became a symbol of prestige and divine presence in International Gothic paintings.
• Discuss the techniques artists used with ultramarine blue during the International Gothic period and their effects on visual storytelling.
  • Artists during the International Gothic period employed various techniques with ultramarine blue, including layering and glazing to achieve depth and luminosity. This method allowed them to create stunning visual effects that enhanced narrative elements within their works. The vibrant blue not only attracted viewers’ attention but also played a crucial role in conveying emotions and highlighting important aspects of religious iconography, thus enriching the overall storytelling in their art.
• Evaluate the impact of synthetic ultramarine's introduction in the 19th century on artistic practices and accessibility to color in later art movements.
  • The introduction of synthetic ultramarine revolutionized artistic practices by providing a more affordable and accessible alternative to natural ultramarine blue. This shift allowed artists across various movements, including Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, to experiment freely with color without being constrained by cost. As a result, synthetic ultramarine expanded creative possibilities and contributed significantly to the evolution of color theory and application in modern art, making vivid colors available to a broader range of artists.

Related terms

Lapis Lazuli: A deep blue metamorphic rock used to make ultramarine blue pigment, known for its intense color and historical significance in art.

Gilding: The application of gold leaf or gold paint to artworks, often used in conjunction with ultramarine blue to enhance the visual richness of paintings and sculptures.

Tempera: A fast-drying painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, commonly used alongside ultramarine blue in the International Gothic style.