LAKE PIGMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A lake pigment refers to a type of coloring material utilized in the realm of visual arts, notably painting, due to its unique chemical composition and properties. It is formed by combining a dye, derived from either a plant or an animal source, with a metallic compound, typically aluminum or calcium.
The production process involves precipitating the dye onto the metal salt, resulting in the formation of an insoluble pigment. Consequently, lake pigments exhibit highly stable and vivid colors, making them a preferred choice for artists throughout history. They are known for their exceptional lightfastness, meaning they are resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight or other sources of light for prolonged periods.
Lake pigments offer a wide palette of hues, ranging from vibrant and intense shades to more subtle and delicate tones, making them versatile for various artistic applications. They can be easily mixed with other pigments or binders, allowing artists to achieve complex color combinations and gradients. Moreover, their insoluble nature makes them suitable for different painting techniques, including glazing and layering.
Notable historical examples of lake pigments include carmine, made from the cochineal insect, and madder lake, derived from the madder plant. Modern variants of lake pigments encompass a broader range of synthetic dyes and metal complexes, expanding the available color options for contemporary artists.
Etymology of LAKE PIGMENT
The word "lake" in reference to pigments derives from the Old English word "lac" or "leac", which meant "dye". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "lakam" or "lakō" which had a similar meaning. This Proto-Germanic word, in turn, is thought to have come from the Proto-Indo-European root "*leǵ-" meaning "to pick up, gather".
The term "lake pigment" specifically refers to a pigment made by combining a dye with a metal or metallic salt to create an insoluble compound. The word "lake" in this context is derived from the Latin word "lacca", meaning "lac or resinous substance" or "lacca", a red dye obtained from an insect called "coccus lacca".
