United Colours of Art Concludes Series on Rainbow Colors with Violet, from Antiquity to the Suffragettes
The concluding chapter of "United Colours of Art" focuses on violet, finalizing the series on rainbow hues in artistic expression. It charts the evolution of violet from ancient times to the 20th century, highlighting its changing symbolism. In prehistoric periods, manganese-based violet was evident in cave art, while in Rome and Byzantium, purple denoted power. The Middle Ages linked violet with royalty and education. Its scarcity rendered it expensive until the advent of synthetic dyes in the 19th century. The Trecento showcased violet in sacred art, and by the 18th century, it gained popularity among the elite. Queen Victoria's dress in 1862 helped popularize synthetic violet, paving the way for its commercialization. In the 20th century, violet came to represent independence, as reflected in Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning." This piece was written by Eulalia Testri for MIfacciodiCultura.
Fatti principali
- The article is the seventh and final part of the "United Colours of Art" series on the seven rainbow colors in art.
- Violet is the second half-tone in the rainbow and is often confused with indigo.
- Manganese-based violet was used in ancient times, including in the Altamira caves.
- In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder described a blueberry dye for slaves' clothes and purple as a color of command and blood.
- During the Middle Ages, violet symbolized monarchy, religious power, and academia, and was associated with penance, Advent, and Lent.
- In the 18th century, violet was worn by nobility and monarchs like Charles III of Spain and Catherine the Great.
- Queen Victoria's 1862 mauve silk dress, dyed with Perkin's synthetic color, popularized violet and reduced its exclusivity.
- Suffragettes used violet in their sashes, and the color later became a symbol of extravagance and independence, as in Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning."
Entità
Artisti
- Giotto
- Cennino Cennini
- F. Rokotov
- P. A. Renoir
- A. Hughes
- Monet
- van Gogh
- Signac
- Seurat
- Pliny the Elder
- Queen Victoria
- Charles III of Spain
- Catherine the Great
- Perkin
- Jenny Joseph
- Eulalia Testri
Istituzioni
- National Gallery of Washington
- State Hermitage Museum
- Tate Britain
- Artspecialday
- MIfacciodiCultura
Luoghi
- Altamira
- Spain
- Rome
- Italy
- Russia
- England
- United Kingdom
- Washington
- United States