Mummy brown, a pigment with a rich and complex history, has been a staple in the art world for centuries. Its unique, warm, and earthy tone has captivated artists, from the Renaissance masters to modern-day painters. But few know the intriguing story behind this pigment’s origins – a story that weaves together ancient Egyptian burial practices, 17th-century artistry, and the fascinating world of art supplies.
Ancient Roots: The Use of Mummia in Medicine and Art
In ancient Egypt, the practice of mummification was not only a means of preserving the dead but also a symbol of wealth and status. The process involved treating the body with natron, a natural salt, to dry out the flesh, followed by wrapping it in linen bandages. The resulting mummies were believed to hold spiritual significance, and their bodies were often ground into a powder called “mummia” for use in medicine and art.
Mummia was highly valued for its perceived healing properties, and it was used to treat a range of ailments, from indigestion to epilepsy. The powder was also used as a pigment in art, prized for its rich, reddish-brown hue. The use of mummia in art was not limited to Egypt; it was also employed by ancient Greek and Roman artists, who admired its unique colour and durability.
The Renaissance and the Birth of Mummy Brown
Fast-forward to the 17th century, when European artists began to take notice of mummia’s unique color. The pigment was imported from Egypt, where it was still used in traditional medicine and art. Artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens were among the first to incorporate mummy brown into their works, using it to add depth and warmth to their paintings.
As the demand for mummy brown grew, so did the need for a more consistent and reliable supply. Enter the apothecaries, who began to manufacture the pigment on a larger scale. They would grind down mummified remains into a fine powder, mix it with a binding agent, and shape it into small cakes or blocks. The resulting pigment was known as “mummy brown,” and it quickly became a staple in many artists’ studios.
The Golden Age of Mummy Brown
The 18th and 19th centuries are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of mummy brown. During this time, the pigment was used by some of the most renowned artists in history, including J.M.W. Turner, Eugène Delacroix, and Francisco Goya. Mummy brown was particularly prized for its ability to add warmth and depth to landscapes, and it was often used to depict the rich, earthy tones of the natural world.
One of the most famous examples of mummy brown in art is Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire” (1839), which features a majestic warship set against a backdrop of golden, mummy-brown hues. The painting is a masterpiece of atmospheric perspective, and the use of mummy brown helps to create a sense of depth and distance.
The Decline of Mummy Brown and its Modern Revival
By the mid-19th century, the use of mummy brown began to decline, as synthetic pigments became more widely available. The practice of using ground mummies as a pigment also raised ethical concerns, leading many artists to seek alternative materials.
However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional art supplies and techniques. Artists have begun to rediscover the unique properties of mummy brown, which is now often recreated using natural materials such as ochre, umber, and sienna.
Pigments Similar to Mummy Brown
If you’re looking for a pigment with a similar warm, earthy tone to mummy brown, there are several options available. Some popular alternatives include:
- Burnt sienna: a reddish-brown pigment made from iron oxide and manganese
- Raw umber: a natural pigment made from iron oxide and manganese, with a warm, earthy tone
- Ochre: a yellowish-brown pigment made from iron oxide, often used in landscape painting
- Cassius: a synthetic pigment with a warm, reddish-brown tone, often used as a substitute for mummy brown
The Ethical Debate
The use of mummy brown raises important ethical questions about the treatment and exploitation of human remains. Many argue that the use of ground mummies as a pigment is disrespectful and disrespectful to the individuals who were mummified, and that it perpetuates the commodification of human bodies.
Others argue that the use of mummy brown is a legitimate form of artistic expression, and that it pays homage to the cultural and artistic traditions of ancient Egypt.
Conclusion
The history of mummy brown is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of artists across cultures and centuries. From ancient Egyptian burial practices to modern-day art studios, this pigment has played a significant role in shaping the art world as we know it. As we continue to explore new materials and techniques, let us not forget the fascinating story of mummy brown – a pigment born from the dead, yet alive with beauty and history.
Further Reading
- “The Art of the Past: A Handbook of Art Historical Methods” by David H. Solkin
- “The Pigment Compendium: A Dictionary of Historical Pigments” by Nicholas Eastaugh and Valentine Walsh
- “Mummy Brown: A Most Unusual Pigment” by Ross King (article)
