Color Palette
Pigments
Below is a collection of pigments used from antiquity through the late medieval period. Select a white pigment, a black pigment, and a color pigment to view more information and usage details below.
White Pigments
Color Pigments
For each color, we've included a set of possible values due to natural pigments varying in color
Black Pigments
Color Usage
Below is a monochrome palette featuring your selected pigments, along with a sample of each color at reduced opacity.
Active White
Gypsum
A mineral of hydrated calcium sulfate, used as a white pigment in manuscripts from ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages.
Period: Ancient Egypt – Middle AgesActive Color
Lapis Lazuli
A semi-precious stone ground into a rich blue pigment. Used in manuscripts from the 10th century onward.
Period: 10th century – onwardActive Black
Sepia
Squid ink used as a dark brown pigment. Common in manuscripts from the 12th century onward.
Period: 12th century – onwardMonochrome Palette
Opacity Palette
Pigments by Time Period
A breakdown of pigments available across the medieval era, highlighting when certain colors were introduced over time.
Antiquity (1st-5th Centuries)
Gypsum
Chalk
Red Lead
Minium
Vermilion
Kermes
Tyrian
Azurite
Orpiment
Yellow Ochre
Brown Ochre
Red Ochre
Carbon Black
Iron Gall
Early Medieval (5th-10th Centuries)
Naples Yellow
Weld
Madder
Carmine Lake
Folium
Orchil
Indigo
Woad
Lapis Lazuli
Verdigris
Vergaut
Green Earth
Sap Green
High to Late Medieval (11th-15th Centuries)
Lead White
Lead Tin Yellow
Malachite
Cochineal
Sepia
Pigments by Works
Pigments used in notable religious manuscripts and artworks throughout the medieval period. We've excluded gold leaf, as it lacks a specific color definition.
The Book of Kells (Ireland, 9th Century)
Lead White
Azurite
Carmine Lake
Green Earth
Yellow Ochre
Carbon Black
Iron Gall