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
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Casket with mythological scenes and animals, Pierre Reymond, Mid-16th century, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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Christine of France and Her Children, Piedmontese Painter, c. 1640, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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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
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Portrait of a Man, Antonello da Messina, 1476, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Giovanni Ricca, Before 1650, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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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
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Panel for bookbinding, Limousin Goldsmith, c. 1195, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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The Madonna and Child, Barnaba da Modena, 1370, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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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
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The Judgement of Solomon, Agostino Masucci, 1738, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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Leslie Ward and Her Sister, Charles William Ross, 1854, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama
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Credits: Story

Fondazione Torino Musei
Palazzo Madama Torino
Photographic Archive Fondazione Torino Musei
Communications Team Fondazione Torino Musei
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