Pompeii Fresco Pigments
Pompeii’s wall paintings (frescoes) were created with mineral and synthetic pigments that could survive the chemistry of wet plaster and remain visible for centuries. This experience introduces five pigments known from Roman painting and explains what they are made of.
Egyptian Blue
One of the earliest synthetic pigments in history. It was produced by heating a mixture of quartz, copper compounds, lime, and alkali, creating a stable and luminous blue material.
Carbon Black
A deep black pigment made from soot (carbon) collected during the burning of organic material. It was widely used for outlines, shading, and strong visual contrasts.
Red Ochre
A natural earth pigment based on iron oxide (hematite). Its warm red tones were commonly used in Pompeian wall paintings for architectural elements and figures.
Yellow Ochre
An earth pigment composed mainly of hydrated iron oxide (goethite). It provided stable yellow tones for highlights, surfaces, and decorative areas.
Green Earth
A natural green pigment associated with minerals such as celadonite and glauconite. It was often used for subtle shading, landscapes, and tonal transitions.