Blue - From Ancient Egypt to Yves Klein

The book tells the story of how the color blue has evolved from a rare and sacred pigment to a central tool for artistic expression. It shows how blue has carried meanings such as power, purity, mourning, and transcendence throughout history, from ancient Egypt to modernism, and how pigments such as lapis lazuli, indigo, and synthetic ultramarine have influenced its use.

Through iconic works – from Giotto's frescoes and Vermeer's quiet interiors to Monet's waters and experiments by Hokusai, Picasso and Yves Klein – the book illustrates how artists have used blue to create mood, emotion and new ways of seeing the world. Combining visual beauty with reflections on the pigments' origins, uses and cultural significance, the book shows how one colour has shaped both art and human experience.