Colour printing ink

About the project

In the 18th century a small number of leading printmakers tried to apply pioneering scientific developments in their colour printing process. They experimented with different colour palettes in their attempts to approach reality as closely as possible by creating full tonality. The choices that they made did not depend solely on the function of the printed impressions – proof or finished state – but above all on the object that they wanted to reproduce in print. The printmakers explored a variety of colorants and pigments, with variable success. This depended not only on the optical qualities of the colorants and pigments but also on their altered properties as the result of intermixing and the effect of added binders.

Aim of the project

The aim is to produce a reference database of colorants and pigments employed in the printing inks of the 18th century. The first stage is to create a sample set of pigments and colorants that were used for prints during that period. Next, those samples will be examined with the aid of different non-destructive analytical techniques to form a reference database. This will result in a clearer picture of the potential of the various techniques and their application. The final phase will consist of case studies, applying the research methodology to prints in the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

Related events

• Dionysia Christoforou, Manon van der Mullen, 'From Colour Theory to Colour Practice: Printmakers in Pursuit of the ‘Right’ Pigments'. Symposium: PRINTING COLOUR 1700–1830: Discoveries, Rediscoveries & Innovations in the Long 18th Century, 10-12 april 2018, Londen.

Publications

• D. Christoforou, V. Gonzalez, M. van der Mullen, 'From Colour Theory to Colour Practice: Printmakers in Pursuit of the Ideal Pigments in 18th Century Europe', in: E. Savage and M. Grasselli (eds.) Colour Printing 1700-1830. Proceedings of the British Academy. British Academy/Oxford University Press, London (in press).