Xantho-Chromatic Pigments

“Pigments that exhibit yellowish hues due to their specific absorption and reflection properties. The term ‘xantho‘ comes from the Greek word for yellow, and ‘chromatic‘ refers to color. These pigments selectively absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflecting those that create a yellowish appearance to the human eye. Historically, xantho-chromatic pigments have been widely used in painting techniques across different cultures, particularly in frescoes, tempera, and oil painting, where artists sought rich, warm, and luminous yellow tones. Common historical examples include ochres (yellow iron oxides), orpiment (arsenic sulfide), lead-tin yellow, and Naples yellow. These pigments were essential for mixing earthy greens, warm flesh tones, and golden highlights, playing a crucial role in Renaissance and Baroque palettes. Their optical behavior, permanence, and interaction with other pigments made them valuable to artists aiming for depth, vibrancy, and realistic illumination in their work.”