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Question asked 2018-04-27 11:24:04 ...
Most recent comment 2018-05-01 23:22:26
Art Conservation Topics
Oil Paint
Casein
Paint Making
Pigments
Technical Art History
I would like to find out what is the best way to prepare cochineal to last as much as possible, (is there anything that can be done to improve its lighfastnest)
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Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
No, not really. The coloring component, carminic acid, is
very fugitive. In reality, it should never be used for artwork or any purpose
that requires a color to last. It is best reserved for high-end makeup and
Starbuck’s drinks where there is no expectation of color permanence. The use of
this color is the reason why the female subjects are all ghostly white in paintings
by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The red compoent of the skin color faded even in the artist’s lifetime and he
lamented his use of the pigment later in life.
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Moderator Answer
(ssands)
The only examples of it being used that have survived well, from what I know, are in illuminated manuscripts. But then, those were either in closed books, or rolled up scrolls, and so not exposed to light except for the brief moments of being viewed.
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Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
PV19 can be found in a range of hues from crimson to rather
violet.
Quinacridone red is the most permanent pigment in the same
hue range. It is far more saturated in color and is not as transparent nor as deep
in value as carmine. I would experiment with using quinacridone red and adding
very small amounts of a dark burnt umber and even an extremely tiny bit of a
very dark transparent color like pthalo green to deepen the value and slightly
cut saturation. Now when I write extremely tiny, I am almost talking on the “homeopathic”
scale ;)
There are a few art material suppliers who offer a wide
range other quinacridones and some might be closer to carmine in hue, saturation, and value. Additionally, while I have
not tested it, a mixture of quinacridone red and quinacridone Burnt Scarlet PR
206 would seem promising.
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