Pigments, Binders, Varnishes, and Artists’ Materials
The History of Pigments
Every pigment carries a chronological fingerprint. From prehistoric ochres and carbon black to Egyptian Blue, Prussian Blue, and modern synthetic pigments such as Phthalo Blue and Titanium White, the materials found in a painting can provide valuable evidence about its earliest possible date and its material history.
Every pigment carries a chronological fingerprint. From prehistoric ochres and carbon black to Egyptian Blue, Prussian Blue, and modern synthetic pigments such as Phthalo Blue and Titanium White, the materials found in a painting can provide valuable evidence about its earliest possible date and its material history.
I created this color-coded historical timeline to visualize the evolution of some of the most significant pigments used throughout history. It serves as a quick reference for researchers, conservators, museum professionals, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and art.
Understanding when pigments were introduced is a fundamental step in interpreting artworks and supporting evidence-based research.
© 2026 Sandra M. Samolik. All rights reserved. Text and figures on this page may not be copied, downloaded, or redistributed without prior written permission.