The Identification of Red Lake Pigment Dyestuffs and a Discussion of their Use

Jo Kirby and Raymond White
Technical Bulletin Volume 17, 1996

Abstract

The history of the use of lake pigments is summarised, with methods employed for their analysis. HPLC is promising, and a system using a diode-array detector and a two-component solvent system is described. A lengthy table of occurrences is given.

Analyses show that Italian paintings of the 15th and early 16th century contain scale insect dyes, while Northern European ones of the same period tend to contain madder, later with kermes added. Cochineal predominated in the 17th century. Comparisons with dyes used on textiles are given. The extraction and use of these dyes is discussed, and relationships between textile dyes and the preparation of lake pigments are postulated: this could account for observed mixtures of dyes.

Keywords 

diode array detection, dye, high performance liquid chromatography, lake (pigment), paintings, Renaissance

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To cite this article we suggest using

Kirby, J., White, R. 'The Identification of Red Lake Pigment Dyestuffs and a Discussion of their Use'. National Gallery Technical Bulletin Vol 17, pp 56–80.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/technical-bulletin/kirby_white1996

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