The museum in colors

From black and white to the cobalt blue, from the carmine red to the brillance of gold: a journey into colors among artworks at the museum.

Book of Hours (1460 - 1465) by Simon MarmionPalazzo Madama

Black and White

White and black are the primary colors. Paintings that use only these two colors are called "grisaille" and in the past this technique was used by artists to evoke the look of stone carvings.

Floor mosaic, Unknown, c. 1120 - c. 1130, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Casket with mythological scenes and animals, Pierre Reymond, Mid-16th century, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Christine of France and Her Children, Piedmontese Painter, c. 1640, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more

Jewel in the form of a boat (Second half 16th century) by UnknownPalazzo Madama

Red

Red is the color of fire and blood, and it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power and determination, as well as passion, desire, and love. In the Christianity, red is the color of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Très Belles Heures de Notre-Dame de Jean de Berry, the Heures de Turin-Milan, French and Low Countries illuminators, Jan van Eyck, 1380 - 1450, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Portrait of a Man, Antonello da Messina, 1476, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Giovanni Ricca, Before 1650, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more

Altar-facing with The Virgin Enthroned with Child, Symbols of the Evangelists, and Scenes from the Life of Mary (Early 13th century) by Catalan SculptorPalazzo Madama

Gold

In the oldest paintings and sculptures, gold was spread on the surface in thin layers. One of the most precious materials of all times, gold is often a symbol of royalty and power.

Small ancona with a Madonna of Humility and the Agnus Dei, Lorenzo Salimbeni, 1400 - 1410, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Panel for bookbinding, Limousin Goldsmith, c. 1195, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
The Madonna and Child, Barnaba da Modena, 1370, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more

Our Lady of the Assumption (1605 - 1608) by Orazio GentileschiPalazzo Madama

Blue

Symbol of harmony and balance, and color of the sky. In many cultures, blue is the personification of spirituality, divine wisdom and delicacy of mind.

Medallion with the Portrait of a Woman, Unknown, Mid-3rd century AD, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
The Judgement of Solomon, Agostino Masucci, 1738, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Leslie Ward and Her Sister, Charles William Ross, 1854, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
Show lessRead more
Credits: Story

Fondazione Torino Musei
Palazzo Madama Torino
Photographic Archive Fondazione Torino Musei
Communications Team Fondazione Torino Musei
-------------------------
We wait for your comments @palazzomadamato

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites