The history of art is inseparable from the history of color. And what a fascinating story they
tell together: one that brims with an all-star cast of characters eye-opening details and
unexpected detours through the annals of human civilization and scientific discovery. Enter
critically acclaimed writer and popular journalist Victoria Finlay who here takes readers
across the globe and over the centuries on an unforgettable tour through the brilliant history
of color in art. Written for newcomers to the subject and aspiring young artists alike
Finlay's quest to uncover the origins and science of color will beguile readers of all ages
with its warm and conversational style. Her rich narrative is illustrated in full color
throughout with 166 major works of art--most from the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Readers of this book will revel in a treasure trove of fun-filled facts and anecdotes. Were it
not for Cleopatra for instance purple might not have become the royal color of the Western
world. Without Napoleon the black graphite pencil might never have found its way into the
hands of Cezanne. Without mango-eating cows the sunsets of Turner might have lost their
shimmering glow. And were it not for the pigment cobalt blue the halls of museums worldwide
might still be filled with forged Vermeers. Red ocher green earth Indian yellow lead
white--no pigment from the artist's broad and diverse palette escapes Finlay's shrewd eye in
this breathtaking exploration.