Mineral Pigments in Archaeology & Art History

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

From the cave paintings of Neanderthal man to the masterpieces of Vermeer and Picasso, where would civilisation have been without rocks? A talk exploring both the common and unusual minerals used as pigments in Art. Throughout 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 tells the story of their history, provenance, trade and place in society.

Ruth Siddall, University College London