Fra Angelico Lapis Pigment

Description

Fra Angelico Blue is our richest and purest lapis pigment. It is a natural, handmade single pigment named after the luminous blues used by early Renaissance painter Fra Angelico. This pigment is entirely natural and is the purest form of lapis blue exactly as formulated in the deep, vibrant blues seen in medieval religious frescoes and illuminated manuscripts. It is derived from pure lapis azurite and is the most pure natural form of ultramarine, providing a luminous, highly saturated hue with exceptional depth.

Fra Angelico Blue has outstanding lightfastness, making it ideal for both classical and contemporary artwork. It blends seamlessly with other pigments, offering brilliant, intense blues in painting. Its semi-opaque nature allows for rich layering, depth, and soft color transitions in oil, watercolor, and tempera applications. Compared to modern blues such as Phthalo Blue, Fra Angelico Blue provides a more historical, rich blue and subtle tonal variation, making it a preferred choice for traditional and restoration work.

History

Fra Angelico Blue takes its name from the early Renaissance artist Fra Angelico (1395-1455), who was known for his use of luminous blues in religious paintings and frescoes.

During antiquity, the Egyptians and Romans used natural blues such as Azurite and Egyptian Blue in their artwork. However, these pigments often had limited availability and varying stability.

In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Lapis Lazuli, mined from Afghanistan, became the most valued blue pigment, often reserved for painting the robes of the Virgin Mary. Fra Angelico used this pigment extensively, employing it in frescoes, altarpieces, and illuminated manuscripts to create vivid, ethereal compositions. Artists of this era often mixed blue pigments with white lead or binders to enhance their vibrancy and usability. In the pictured artwork by Duccio 'The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea', Fra Angelico is used extensively for the Virgin Mother's robes to create stunning contrast with the gold leaf.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, advancements in pigment technology led to the development of more stable blues, such as synthetic Ultramarine, which mimicked the appearance of natural Lapis Lazuli. This allowed for broader accessibility and use in painting.

Today, Fra Angelico Blue remains a specialty pigment prized for its historical accuracy, luminous beauty, and connection to early Renaissance art. It is still used by conservators, icon painters, and traditional artists seeking to capture the rich blues of historical masterpieces.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Azurite)

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Cold Wax, Casein, Milk, Swedish Flour, Lime / Fresco

Lightfastness: Best

Opacity: Transparent

Other Names: Renaissance Blue, Angelico Blue, Lapis Lazuli, Natural Ultramarine, Lapis Blue

Image: 'The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea' by Duccio from the National Gallery