Egyptian Blue Color

Egyptian blue is a color that was foun­d in the Pyramids and this color is produced naturally. 

It is the only blue used in any ancient Egyptian art or artifacts. 

After the pharaonic era, the use of this color dwindled until it was no longer used. 

The color nevertheless remained popular in Western art through the 19th century, when it began to be produced synthetically. 

During this period egyptian blue, now considered a fugitive color, was replaced by cobalt blue and Prussian blue.

Egyptian blue color in Interior Design

The history and this blue paint is one full of mystery and contradictions, and when it comes to interior design this color is more popular than ever. 

Egyptians are very familiar with Egyptian Blue. It was used to paint the false eyelids of the Pharaohs, signifying royalty. 

This rich blue pigment, mixed in with other coloring agents, has been around for almost 3000 years.

It is a unique and rare color among ancient pigments. 

The color was used for centuries as interior decoration in houses and buildings, as well as in Egyptian temples and tombs. Its uniqueness lies in its high stability in water, even after many years. 

This made it widely used for decorative painting both on walls and on statues due to the comparative ease with which it could be applied with a brush or spatula.

Egyptian blue color in Product Design

If you’ve ever chanced upon an ancient artifact like the beautiful sarcophagus of King Tut or a fabulous statue, you would have probably noticed an intensely beautiful blue color that truly retains its endurance. It is the Egyptian Blue color. 

Conceived and formulated by the ancient Egyptians during the Ptolemaic dynasty (305 BC-30 BC), this amazing blue pigment had captivated many with its stupendous perseverance and quality which is unable to fade, in spite of being exposed to billions of light over millennia.

It symbolizes the first blue crystals in the history of the world. 

The color was used by ancient Egyptians in artefacts such as statues and amulets. 

Egyptian blue color in Photography

It is a color of the “oceanic” family capable of yielding a deep and rich hue when used in arrangements. This is because, in photography, it has become a popular choice to make stunning and bold backgrounds (more so as an accent). 

The color is even breaking out of the photography world making its way into print design.

It is a vibrant medium tone that ranges in hue from cyan to indigo and violet. 

It has moderate lightfastness so you need proper studio lighting for it to remain vivid. 

You should exercise care when using Egyptian blue in photography as it can also turn out brownish if there’s not enough light. 

If you’re looking for natural looking photos, then Egyptian blue is not the best choice. 

You might have noticed some really rich blue tones used in contemporary art such as in Robert Indiana’s famous Love Sculpture or even In Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate sculpture located beneath Millennium Park's AT&T Plaza in Chicago, Illinois.