#natural-pigments

#natural-pigments

In the Roman Empire, Egyptian blue was typically traded in the form of small pellets, which were ground into a useable powder, and researchers estimate between six and 10 pounds were used to coat the Blue Room. Using prices quoted by Pliny the Elder (who died in nearby Stabiae during the eruption), the researchers estimate this much paint would have cost 93 to 168 denarii, perhaps equivalent more than 1,000 loaves of bread or 90 percent of a soldier's annual salary.

One tenet of classical idealism is the idea that Roman and Greek statuary embodied an ideal of pure whiteness-a misconception modern sculptors perpetuated for hundreds of years by making busts and statues in polished white marble. But the truth is that both Greek statues and their Roman counterparts were originally brightly painted in riotous color.

The 2026 Color Collection from 3form highlights hues that have anchored design across generations and cultures for thousands of years. The brand's sixth grouping is a departure from last year's palette, which emphasized the emotional power of select shades. With the guiding theme "Color that Connects," the new line features tones that are celebrated by communities around the globe. Inspiration for the palette came from exploring natural pigments used to make certain colors, and how they were found in various locales over time.