Alizarin Crimson

Historically, crimson pigments were rare and have posed unique difficulties in milling. The older pigments available to us in the 19th century were either fugitive or only moderately durable. The whole development of crimsons since Egyptian times is a great example of how lightfastness has been increased with each new colour and how eventually in the 21st century we have achieved lightfastness at the same time as matching the original hues. Alizarin Crimson was the first natural dye to be synthesized in the laboratory in 1868. In fact, the main dye in Madder is natural Alizarin (1,2 – dihydroxyanthraquinone). Alizarin Crimson is not quite as lightfast as Madder, but it is stronger and deeper like carmine and a great improvement upon that. It quickly became the main crimson in the water colour spectrum and remains so. It’s hard to think of painting without picturing this deep blue shade crimson on your palette!

1,2 Dihydroxyanthraquinone Lake, PR83 B – Moderately Durable Series 1 Transparent Staining