The Artist's Road Painting the World's Beautiful Places

A Whiter Shade of Pale

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

White Rockets and Fruit     1869     Henri Fantin-Latour

   The influence and importance of colors throughout mankind’s history cannot be overstated. One of those colors that has greatly impacted the worlds of commerce, beauty, health and even war, is white. Its history dates back to ancient Egypt, in the form of Lead White. Considered the greatest of all the whites, Lead White is also undoubtedly, the most savage.

   Beyond artists’ pigments, lead was used extensively, from the water pipes of the Roman Empire to cosmetics for women dating back to 1000 BC. Its dangers were known and could hardly be ignored, with those working with it suffering nerve damage, gastrointestinal issues, kidney failure, psychosis and sometimes, death. Pliny warned of the danger of ingesting it in his 37-volume, Natural History, published in 77 AD. The warnings were not enough to temper its use. Its commercial value was great and it continued to be used in house paints, plumbing, cosmetics, ceramics and ammunition throughout the centuries. It wasn’t until 1978, that lead-based house paints were banned for residential use in the United States.

   Lead white is still available (although expensive and hard to find) in artists’ pigments. Some artists report on its superior handling over other white pigments, citing its retention of brush stroke and ability to create subtle value changes when mixed with other colors. Its faster drying time makes its use in under-paintings valuable. Although available, it has strong cautions attached to its use and disposal. (Lead paint, the tubes it was in and any rags, etc. used with it are considered hazardous waste and by law, must be disposed of at a hazardous waste site.)

   Research into the development of newer white pigments continues to reveal more useful aspects and indeed, scientific marvels of this simple color. Less toxic replacements for Lead White have been quickly developed and embraced by artists. That’s good. Commercially, though, something was discovered a couple of years ago by scientists at Purdue University which holds the possibility of changing the world. It is referred to as Super White, because it reflects 98.1% of sunlight! This property makes it cool to the touch, even on a hot summer day. Paint your roof with it and you may not need air conditioning any more. Amazing!

   To read more about the history of white pigments and the alternatives available today, go to White - “the representative of light.