Colorants for early art: Hematite or Red Ochre (Red Pigment)

Hematite or Red Ochre (Red Pigment)
The third image (Catalan Museum of Archaeology - 22.jpg) shows a reddish-brown rock with a distinct pile of red dust. This is hematite, the most famous source of red ochre.
Historical Use: This is perhaps the most important mineral in human history for symbolic expression. It provided the "blood red" used in burial rites, body art, and the famous bulls of Altamira.
Ancient Greek Context: In the Classical world, high-quality red ochre (often called sinopia) was vital for the under-drawings of frescoes and decorating pottery.

Exhibited at the Catalan Museum of Archaeology, Barcelona, Spain. Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC).

Tags:
Art Barcelona Catalan Museum of Archaeology - Museu d Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC) Catalonia Color and Polychromy Original Photo Spain Stone Age Tools and Resources