Alizarin Orange Pigment

Description

Alizarin Orange is a synthetic pigment that replicates the main hue of natural madder lake with greater intensity. First synthesized in 1869 from anthraquinone derivatives, alizarin provided a more stable and affordable alternative to madder, which had been extracted from the roots of Rubia tinctorum for centuries. This pigment exhibits excellent transparency, making it ideal for glazing techniques. It is heated to high temperatures, which alters the structure and produces a superbly intense, warm orange .

Compared to natural madder lake, synthetic alizarin offers more consistent color, improved availability, and enhanced resistance to fading. It is widely used in oil painting, watercolor, and tempera due to its vibrant tones and ability to create luminous, layered effects.

Alizarin remains an important historical pigment while serving as a foundation for modern synthetic reds in fine art and textile dyeing.

History

Ancient and Medieval Periods: Before synthetic alizarin, natural madder was used in Egyptian textiles, Roman frescoes, and medieval manuscripts. Its deep red hues were highly prized for dyeing fabrics and producing luminous reds in illuminated manuscripts.

Renaissance to 19th Century: Artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer employed madder lake in oil painting for its warm undertones and excellent glazing properties.
Industrial Synthesis (1869): The development of synthetic alizarin by Graebe and Liebermann marked a turning point in the pigment industry, replacing natural madder as the primary red dye and artist's pigment. In the pictured artwork "Grazing Horses IV (The Red Horses)" by Franz Marc, Alizarin Orange is used to create the intense glow of the blazing Red Horses.

20th and 21st Centuries: Although synthetic alizarin is still used, modern lightfast reds such as quinacridone have largely replaced it in professional painting due to alizarin's moderate fading over time.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic
Source: Anthraquinone derivative
Origin: Germany (original synthesis)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic
Lightfastness: Good to Acceptable (moderate fading in strong light)
Opacity: Semi-translucent
Other Names: Alizarin, Alizarin Lake, Transparent Orange
Color Index Code: N/A
Image: "Grazing Horses IV (The Red Horses)" by Franz Marc from the Harvard Art Museum

Health and Safety

• For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
• Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
• Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
• Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
• If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
• Safety Data Sheet available on request.