This paper examines the creation and use of the color blue in art from the ancient to medieval Western world. Before the rise of the ancient Egyptians, there is little evidence of the use of blue in art. However, as art progresses from the ancient world to the Renaissance, blue has risen in popularity with symbolism and representation. Ultimately, the discovery of Lapis Lazuli helped the ancient Egyptians develop technology and sources of blue pigment as well as bring this color to artists of the ancient Western world. The Egyptians use of faience in their frescos in royal tombs is the first usage of blue. Due to Egyptian trade with Greeks and Romans, there was a progression in the symbolism of blue in Western culture and an increase in the utilization in artworks. The Greeks and Romans had a negative association with the color even though it was a typical color for their backgrounds. From the advancement in trade to Europe from Afghanistan, we get a new pigment from the Lapis known as ultramarine. The use of blue during the medieval period is clarified in the Book of Kells manuscript and the ultramarine blue in the in Giotto’s Arena Chapel to the use if ultramarines in the Cult of the Virgin Mary. A cheaper method to produce ultramarine was later invented called French ultramarine to which helped decrease the cost and exclusive use. These crucial times in history facilitated blue gaining notoriety in the modern world
