Category: Art > Cochineal
Long before the vibrant tubes of paint we are familiar with today, artists used a variety of surprising materials to create their colors. One of the most unusual sources was the pigment derived from insects, specifically the cochineal beetle. This tiny insect, native to Central and South America, produces carminic acid, which can be processed to create a brilliant red dye known as cochineal. Artists and textile makers prized this vivid hue for centuries, and it was especially popular in the Renaissance period. The use of cochineal not only showcases the resourcefulness of artists in sourcing materials but also underscores the deep connections between art, culture, and the natural world.