Vermilion #2 

Curator: Winsor & Newton, a prominent name in art supplies, manufactured this pigment, Vermilion #2. What strikes you about it? Editor: The color, of course! That saturated red, almost blood-like, seems potent, even contained within the glass. It makes me think of power and passion. Curator: Well, consider the history of vermilion. Often derived from toxic mercury sulfide, its production and use had significant social and health implications for laborers and artists alike. Editor: That’s a vital point. So, this potent color has a darker history, tied to exploitation and risk. How does that influence our understanding of its use in art? Curator: It forces us to grapple with the costs behind the creation of beauty. The color becomes a symbol, representing not just vibrancy, but also the labor and potential suffering embedded in its creation. Editor: It really reframes how we perceive the color's intensity; it is a pigment with a story to tell about art, industry, and society. Curator: Exactly. There are so many layers to unpack here. Editor: Definitely. It's a reminder that art is always connected to broader social structures.