Orpiment and Realgar Sourcing Locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East from Antiquity until the Early 17th Century

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/AUNC_ZiK.2024.007

Keywords

arsenic pigments, arsenic sulfides, orpiment, realgar, orpiment deposits, realgar deposits, orpiment mines, realgar mines, antiquity, Middle Ages, early modern period

Abstract

Orpiment (As2S3) and realgar (As4S4) – yellow and red arsenic sulphide – belong among a group of the oldest pigments favoured by artists throughout the ages, from antiquity until the 19th century. Both were highly valued in Egypt, in the Middle and Far East and in Europe, their European popularity peaking between the 12th and 17th centuries. Pigments were either obtained by grinding natural minerals (orpiment and realgar) and in chemical reactions – calcination and/or sublimation of natural orpiment and of arsenolite with sulphur and/or natural orpiment, and sublimation of sulphur with arsenic trioxide. The frequency of orpiment and realgar use equalled that of cinnabar, malachite or azurite. They were applied individually, or blended with multiple organic and mineral colour substances. The natural occurence of either compound is rare. Orpiment and realgar mainly mineralise in the vicinity of hot springs and fumaroles (active volcanoes).

Author Biography

Dominika Anna Tarsińska-Petruk, Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie, Pracownia Konserwacji Muzeum XX Czartoryskich

Konserwator dzieł sztuki specjalizujący sie w badaniach technlogicznych i malowanych jedwabnych chorągwiach.

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Acta Universitatis Nicolai Copernici [Heritage Studies and Conservation Science]

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2025-02-01

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TARSIŃSKA-PETRUK, Dominika Anna. Orpiment and Realgar Sourcing Locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East from Antiquity until the Early 17th Century. Acta Universitatis Nicolai Copernici [Heritage Studies and Conservation Science]. Online. 1 February 2025. Vol. 55, no. -, pp. 305-335. [Accessed 29 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/AUNC_ZiK.2024.007.

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Vol. 55 (2024): Tom 55 (2024)

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