Yellow As a Pigment and a Slur

Yellow, along with red and blue, is one of the three primary colors. Primary colors are ones that cannot be made by mixing. By mixing with blue, it becomes green. When mixed with red, it becomes shades of orange.

Symbolism of Yellow

In paintings of St. Peter, he is often in a yellow mantle. This color is associated with cowardice. Would this also relate to Peter’s lack of courage at Jesus’ trial? A golden hue is used to designate the sun and divinity in Christian art. However, it can also suggest jealousy, treason, and deceit. Judas, who betrayed Christ, is often painted in a dingy yellow. Heretics had to wear this color in the Middle Ages. In addition, crosses of this color were used to identify areas of contagion. In modern day, yellow with black also signifies danger.

Ingredients for Yellow Pigment:

One ingredient for this hue was ochre, or iron oxide. It was mined and bartered by the Aborigines of Australia. Also, the Luberon in southern France and Tuscany, Italy have ochre mines.

The cadmiums have been taken off the market, due to its toxicity. Now one finds “cadmium hue” colors. Shades of this hue may be cool or warm.  Other pigments are Indian, aureolin, azo, and Naples. If you are looking for variety, check out any art catalog. For example, try Daniel Smith.You will find, in addition to the above mentioned colors: Verona Gold Ochre, Yellow Ochre, Quinophthalone, New Gamboge, Nickel Titanate, Mayan, Isoindoline and Hansa. Characteristics of each color varies: some may be staining, non-staining, opaque, transparent, granular, sedimentary and light fastness. A check of the ratings for each color will be helpful, along with some experimentation on your own. I advocate for getting a warm and a cool of each color and making some color charts.