Category: Art > Pigment
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ancient Egyptian art is their use of a unique pigment known as "Egyptian blue," which is considered one of the first synthetic colors in history. Created around 2500 BCE, this vivid blue hue was made by heating a mixture of silica, lime, copper, and alkali to high temperatures, resulting in a durable and stable pigment that has withstood the test of time. The Egyptians used Egyptian blue extensively in tomb paintings, pottery, and sculptures, as it represented the sky and the Nile River, symbolizing life and fertility. Remarkably, many of their artworks still showcase this striking blue, demonstrating not only their advanced understanding of materials but also their desire to convey their beliefs and values through vibrant colors that would last for eternity.