Minium (pigment)

Minium, also known as red lead or red lead oxide, is a bright orange red pigment that was widely used in the Middle Ages for the decoration of manuscripts and for painting. Often mistaken for less poisonous cinnabar and vermillion, minium was one of the earliest pigments artificially prepared and is still in use today.^[1] It was made by roasting white lead pigment in the air; the white lead would gradually turn yellow, then into an orange lead tetroxide. Minium's color varied depending upon how long the mineral was roasted.^[2]

^ Fitzhugh, Elizabeth West (1986). "Red Lead and Minium". Artists' Pigments: A Handbook of Their History and Characteristics. Vol. 1. Washington: National Gallery of Art. pp. 109–139.
^ Daniel V. Thompson, The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting, pg. 100

[:0-1] Fitzhugh, Elizabeth West (1986). "Red Lead and Minium". Artists' Pigments: A Handbook of Their History and Characteristics. Vol. 1. Washington: National Gallery of Art. pp. 109–139.

[2] Daniel V. Thompson, The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting, pg. 100

[1]

[2]