A-Z of Colours 🌈

Rust

Viridian

A history of viridian

Hydrated chromium oxide is an intense green pigment with a bluish hue, more commonly known in the English-speaking world as viridian. Viridian comes from the Latin viridis meaning “green, blooming, vigorous”. This may seem at odds with its unnatural appearance but when mixed with yellow, orange, or red it gives life to an impressive range of natural greens. This makes viridian a versatile staple for many artists to this day.

Viridian emerged in the first half of the nineteenth century, along with many other synthetic pigments, such as cobalt blue and cadmium yellow. While chromium, the key component, was discovered in 1797, the first preparation of viridian is credited to the Frenchman Pannetier and his assistant Binet in around 1838.

Unfortunately, Pannetier’s green was over a hundred times more expensive than other already pricey pigments on the market. Twenty years later Guignet patented a cheaper method for manufacture, which greatly increased its popularity. Once viridian, also known as Guignet’s green, became more affordable, it was a popular choice for the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

(Winsor & Newton)