Paris yellow is a bright yellow pigment that gets its name from the city of Paris, France. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /pærɪs ˈjɛloʊ/. The first syllable, "par-is", is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the stress on the second syllable. The second word, "yellow", is pronounced with a long "e" sound and the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word follows standard English pronunciation and reflects the origin of the pigment.
Paris yellow is a specific shade of yellow pigment that is named after the city of Paris, France, where it was popularized during the 19th century. Also known as Jaune de Paris or Parisian yellow, it is a vibrant and intense hue that falls within the yellow spectrum.
Originally derived from natural sources, Paris yellow was primarily made from a compound called lead(II) carbonate. This bright yellow pigment was widely used by artists and craftsmen due to its exceptional lightfastness and its ability to produce a rich and opaque color. However, it should be noted that due to the high lead content, its use posed health risks, making it less common in contemporary art practices.
In terms of its visual appearance, Paris yellow is characterized by its warm and luminous quality. It exudes a vivid and brilliant shade of yellow with a slightly orange undertone. The pigment is often described as having a radiant and sunny disposition, evoking feelings of energy, cheerfulness, and optimism.
Today, Paris yellow has been partially replaced with modern synthetic compounds that provide similar visual properties without the associated health risks. However, it still remains an iconic color in art history, believed to represent the vibrancy and liveliness of the city from which it derives its name.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Paris yellow" refers to a bright yellow pigment used in painting. The etymology of the term can be understood by breaking it down into its components:
1. Paris: The term "Paris" refers to the city of Paris, which was historically known for its vibrant art scene, including the production and sale of pigments. The association of the word "Paris" with various art-related terms emerged due to Paris being a major hub for artists and art supplies.
2. Yellow: The word "yellow" originates from the Old English geolu, which further traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic word gelwaz. Over time, the term "yellow" has been used to describe the color of ripe lemons, the brightness of gold, or various shades within the yellow spectrum.
Combining these components, "Paris yellow" refers to the specific shade of yellow pigment associated with the art scene in Paris.