By: Faith Jang
The history of the color blue is a strange one. Many cultures do not have a word for blue,
and it is often described as green or purple. That doesn’t mean that there was absolutely no use of
it in ancient times. One of the earliest sources of blue pigment was derived from minerals such as
lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone mined in Afghanistan. Ancient civilizations, such as the
Egyptians and the Sumerians, prized lapis lazuli for its vibrant blue hue, using it in jewelry,
cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. However, due to its rarity and costliness, blue pigments
were often reserved for the elite and the divine.
and it is often described as green or purple. That doesn’t mean that there was absolutely no use of
it in ancient times. One of the earliest sources of blue pigment was derived from minerals such as
lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone mined in Afghanistan. Ancient civilizations, such as the
Egyptians and the Sumerians, prized lapis lazuli for its vibrant blue hue, using it in jewelry,
cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. However, due to its rarity and costliness, blue pigments
were often reserved for the elite and the divine.
During the Middle Ages, blue continued with the idea of the sacred while also showing
off purity in Christian art and symbolism. The Virgin Mary, often depicted wearing a blue robe,
became a central figure in religious iconography, symbolizing purity, grace, and divinity. Artists
such as Giotto di Bondone used ultramarine, a pigment derived from lapis lazuli, to convey the
heavenly and ethereal qualities of the Virgin and other religious figures.
Nowadays, the color blue is used to represent a multitude of things. One of the most
common uses of the color blue is to show off masculinity and represent boys. However, this was
only put in place after around the 1960s, as before that, blue was shown off to relate to the
gentleness of femininity. The pre-1960s ideal of blue actually makes more sense as this color is
actually scientifically associated with calmness, reliability, and order. Although, the use of blue
can also show off power as it is often associated with storms.
So, what are some blue-tiful paintings that use blue? “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh
and “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai are two popular paintings
prominently featuring the color blue. In “Starry Night,” van Gogh utilizes various shades of blue
to depict the night sky swirling above a sleepy village. Meanwhile, in “The Great Wave off
Kanagawa,” Hokusai employs deep blues to capture the power and beauty of a towering wave.
Both paintings showcase the versatility of the color blue, evoking emotions ranging from
serenity to awe. Blue’s association with calmness, depth, and mystery makes it a popular choice
among artists seeking to convey various themes and moods.
to depict the night sky swirling above a sleepy village. Meanwhile, in “The Great Wave off
Kanagawa,” Hokusai employs deep blues to capture the power and beauty of a towering wave.
Both paintings showcase the versatility of the color blue, evoking emotions ranging from
serenity to awe. Blue’s association with calmness, depth, and mystery makes it a popular choice
among artists seeking to convey various themes and moods.
