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“Amazing.”-The Huffington Post

“This fascinating history of color in art is a real page turner.” -Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Enduring entertainment for the curious mind.”-New York Journal of Books

What if the colors in a painting could tell you a story-about empires, accidents, and the science behind every brushstroke? The Brilliant History of Color in Art by acclaimed writer and journalist Victoria Finlay traces the journey of iconic pigments from ancient cave art to Renaissance wonders to modern masterpieces. Richly illustrated with 166 full-color artworks, this visually stunning volume blends history, art, and science-perfect for art lovers,
students, and curious readers alike.

Inside you’ll discover:
– The royal secret behind purple: How Cleopatra helped turn purple into the color of power, and why it still shapes culture today.
– Napoleon and the pencil: The unexpected chain of events linking an emperor to one of every artist’s essential tools.
– The mystery of Indian yellow: How mango-fed cows produced one of history’s most luminous, and controversial, pigments.
– The color that caught forgers: How cobalt blue helped expose fake Vermeer’s that deceived the world’s top museums.

Whether you are a lifelong art enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or searching for a memorable gift, The Brilliant History of Color in Art offers a fresh way to see the world. Discover the stories hidden in every hue-and experience art in a whole new light.