Naples Yellow 

Curator: Here we have "Naples Yellow," a manufactured pigment by J.D. Penberthy. It's presented here in its original glass vial, alongside a color calibration chart. Editor: There's a stark contrast between the utilitarian chart and the almost romanticized, antiquated bottle. It evokes a sense of alchemic process. Curator: Absolutely. The label itself, declaring "For External Use Only," speaks volumes about the commodification and application of color. Editor: And the materiality, of course, the glass itself, the residue of the pigment, these all speak to the means of production and consumption. It asks questions about art and industry. Curator: Precisely. Consider also how the historical context of pigment production intersects with industrial labour, class, and even medicine. Editor: I keep thinking about the social life of pigments. What was "Naples Yellow" used for, and what did it mean to those who applied it, manufactured it, or even simply saw it? Curator: A fascinating perspective. It reframes our understanding of color, moving beyond mere aesthetics toward the complex web of power and production behind it. Editor: Exactly. It’s not just a color; it’s a story of making and using, labor and social meaning. Curator: Thank you. I see this object as a compelling nexus of history, craft, and social narrative. Editor: I agree. This pigment calls for a deeper look into the connection between art and its broader social impacts.