Blue: from ancient Egypt to Yves Klein

Abstract

"Discover how the colour blue evolved from a rare and sacred pigment to a powerful tool of artistic expression - from the cobalt glazes of ancient Egypt to modernist experiments. Along the way, blue has been a symbol of power and purity, of sorrow and transcendence. Readers will see how a colour, once costly and elusive, became central to artistic practice, both materially and metaphorically. A wide-ranging selection of iconic works - from Egyptian faience and medieval manuscripts to Giotto's radiant frescoes; Vermeer's quiet interiors; Monet's shimmering waters; and the radical experiments of Hokusai, Picasso, and Yves Klein - show how artists have used blue to evoke emotion, suggest atmosphere, and reimagine the visible world"--Back cover.