Conservators and workshop participants explored the first synthetic pigment—known as Egyptian blue—in a session at Harv…
By Harvard University · AI
Conservators and workshop participants explored the first synthetic pigment—known as Egyptian blue—in a session at Harvard Art Museums. Created around 3100 B.C., Egyptian blue was the earliest synthetic pigment, and was a favorite among artists for centuries. The vibrant blue was the product of advances in Egyptian pyrotechnology that allowed silica, copper, calcium, and sodium salt to be combined at a high heat. Workshop attendees explored the museums’ collections to find ancient examples of…