smalt, double silicate of potassium and cobalt
Ethiopia
17th Century
Source: Wion, A. (2004). An Analysis of 17th-century Ethiopian Pigments. In: Christian Ethiopian Art.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
cobalt, silicate
Preparation Steps
This glassy pigment must be ground in a coarse manner to retain its colouring power (p. 107). Under the microscope (x1,000), the grains have a vitreous aspect and contain tiny air bubbles with clearly defined angles of intersection (p. 107).
Original Recipe Text
This glassy pigment must be ground in a coarse manner to retain its colouring power (p. 107). Under the microscope (x1,000), the grains have a vitreous aspect and contain tiny air bubbles with clearly defined angles of intersection (p. 107).
Evidence
"Raman microspectrometry revealed the presence of a silicate (Si–O and Si–O–Si). Electronic microscopy also revealed the presence of cobalt."
Remarks
The color varies from deep blue for large grains to light blue for smaller grains (p. 107). Smalt was used on canvas for mural paintings, while indigo was used for parchment manuscripts (p. 107).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionSi-O, Si-O-Si, Co
Analytical Techniques
Electronic microscopy
Raman microspectrometry
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
pigment
ColorBlue
RegionEthiopia
Approx. Year1650
Source Information
AuthorWion, A.
CollectionAbbä Antonios mural paintings
Language
N/A
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