Pigment

conography pigments are the primary raw material for creating high-quality colors in traditional icon painting. Derived from natural or synthetic sources, they are renowned for their vibrancy, durability, and translucency, making them ideal for artworks of spiritual and artistic significance.

Characteristics and Properties

• Natural Sources: Many pigments are sourced from minerals (e.g., ochres, lapis lazuli) or plant-based materials, ensuring vivid colors with a natural finish.
• Blendable: They can be mixed with various binding agents, such as egg tempera or acrylic bases, to achieve the desired texture and performance.
• Durability: Colors derived from pigments have excellent longevity, resisting fading over time.
• Transparency or Coverage: They allow the artist to create translucent layers (glazes) or achieve full coverage depending on dilution.

Uses and Applications

Pigments are used to create all the tones and shades needed in iconography, from intricate facial details to vibrant backgrounds. Artists often mix them with egg (for egg tempera) or other binders, adhering to a traditional technique that has stood the test of time.