The history of pigment creation dates back thousands of years, with humans utilizing local materials to create a wide array of colors. One remarkable example is the 17,000-year-old cave art in Lascaux, France, where minerals, ochres, and shells were used to produce vibrant hues.
Over time, people continued to experiment with different dyes and paints, some of which were found to be toxic. Elements like lead, mercury, and arsenic were commonly used in pigments, with red often containing lead and cinnabar containing mercury. Aristocratic Romans even used face-lightening compounds containing lead and blush made from crushed mulberries or red vermillion.
In the medieval period, plants became increasingly valuable for producing pigments as trade routes expanded. Colors like blue and purple were extracted from plants like woad, ivy, and Portuguese laurel, while golden hues were derived from cornflower, crocus, myrrh, and turmeric. The use of botanical pigments in illuminated manuscripts and dyed fabrics became more prevalent during this era.
Nabil Ali’s upcoming book, “Gold from Newton’s Apple Tree: Historical Recipes for Natural Inks, Paints, and Dyes,” celebrates this long legacy of botanical pigments and the craft traditions associated with them, particularly focusing on the Middle Ages. The book features recipes dating back to the 3rd century B.C.E. and includes scientific and artistic illustrations from various manuscripts and encyclopedic volumes.
One intriguing aspect of the book is its title, which references an ink recipe using bark from a descendant of Sir Isaac Newton’s apple tree. The brown ingredients in this recipe transform into a rich yellow-gold hue, showcasing the fascinating alchemy of natural pigments.
“Gold from Newton’s Apple Tree” is set to be released in April, and pre-orders are available in the Colossal Shop. This book promises to be a valuable resource for those interested in the historical use of botanical pigments and the intricate art of creating natural inks, paints, and dyes.
