Ultramarine blue

Definition

Ultramarine blue is a vibrant, deep blue pigment originally made from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. This color became highly sought after during the medieval period, symbolizing purity and the divine, especially in religious art. Its intense hue and rarity made it a powerful symbol of wealth and importance, often reserved for the robes of the Virgin Mary and other holy figures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ultramarine blue was considered more valuable than gold during the medieval period due to its cost and the labor-intensive process required to produce it.
2. The use of ultramarine blue in paintings was a way for artists to convey a sense of divine light, especially in depictions of religious subjects.
3. Because of its expense, ultramarine blue was often reserved for important works, such as altarpieces or portraits of significant figures.
4. In addition to its symbolic meanings, ultramarine blue also has unique properties that make it stand out, such as its high tinting strength and transparency when mixed with other colors.
5. The production of ultramarine blue shifted from natural lapis lazuli to synthetic alternatives in the 19th century, making it more accessible for artists.

Review Questions

• How did ultramarine blue contribute to the symbolism found in medieval religious art?
  • Ultramarine blue played a crucial role in medieval religious art by symbolizing purity and divinity. Its deep, vibrant hue was often used in the robes of the Virgin Mary and other holy figures, emphasizing their importance and sacredness. This color's association with the divine was heightened by its expense and rarity, making it a prestigious choice for artworks intended to convey spiritual significance.
• Discuss the historical significance of lapis lazuli in the context of producing ultramarine blue pigment.
  • Lapis lazuli was historically significant as the primary source for creating ultramarine blue pigment, prized since ancient times for its intense color. The process of extracting and grinding lapis lazuli into pigment was labor-intensive and costly, which contributed to ultramarine blue's reputation as one of the most valuable colors available to artists during the medieval period. This rarity made ultramarine an exclusive choice for important artworks, enhancing their prestige and visual impact.
• Evaluate the impact of synthetic ultramarine on artistic practices after the 19th century.
  • The introduction of synthetic ultramarine in the 19th century had a transformative impact on artistic practices. It allowed artists to access a previously rare and expensive color at a lower cost and with greater availability. This shift democratized the use of ultramarine blue across various art forms, leading to more widespread adoption in both professional and amateur works. Additionally, it encouraged experimentation with color mixing and new techniques, influencing the evolution of modern art styles.

Related terms

Lapis Lazuli: A deep-blue metamorphic rock that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color and use in jewelry and art.

Tempera: A painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, often used during the medieval period.

Gold Leaf: Thin sheets of gold used in art to add richness and luminescence, often paired with ultramarine blue to enhance visual impact.