History of Lead white:
Used since antiquity as early as 400 B.C. It was mentioned by Pliny and Vestruvious who describe its preparation from metallic lead and vinegar. Lead white was the only white used in European easel paintings until the 19th century when its poisonous lead content restricted its manufacture and sale as an artist’s pigment. Some companies offer this color under the color title Cremnitz white, but this is a misnomer because the original pigment for Cremnitz white has not been made since 1938.
When was Lead white used?
| Discovery | Used until |
|---|---|
| Antiquity (Greeks) | continues in use |
Use of Lead white among paintings in the SchackGallery, Munich:
Source: Kühn