Mineral Pigments in Archaeology & Art History

The third and final talk in a series to complement our exhibition, Riches of the Earth.

Minerals were the first pigments used by humans and continue to be found on artists’ palettes to this day. A wide range of minerals and geological deposits have been processed and used as pigments, both for paintings and cosmetics. These include earth pigments derived from ochres, chalk and other soft, earthy formations to pigments derived from (usually) non-silicate minerals. Throughout their history, earth and mineral pigments have been important global trade commodities and some have found huge value as prestigious materials in their own right.

This talk will introduce both common and unusual minerals used as pigments and tell the story of their history, provenance, trade and their place in society.

Ruth Siddall, University College London