---
product_id: 8439701
title: "The Brilliant History of Color in Art"
price: "244.91 DT"
currency: TND
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.tn/products/8439701-the-brilliant-history-of-color-in-art
store_origin: TN
region: Tunisia
---

# The Brilliant History of Color in Art

**Price:** 244.91 DT
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Brilliant History of Color in Art
- **How much does it cost?** 244.91 DT with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.tn](https://www.desertcart.tn/products/8439701-the-brilliant-history-of-color-in-art)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

An irresistible look at the gorgeous colors that comprise the artist's palette. The history of art is inseparable from the history of color. And what a fascinating story they tell together: one that brims with an all-star cast of characters, eye-opening details, and unexpected detours through the annals of human civilization and scientific discovery. Enter critically acclaimed writer and popular journalist Victoria Finlay, who here takes readers across the globe and over the centuries on an unforgettable tour through the brilliant history of color in art. Written for newcomers to the subject and aspiring young artists alike, Finlay’s quest to uncover the origins and science of color will beguile readers of all ages with its warm and conversational style. Her rich narrative is illustrated in full color throughout with 166 major works of art—most from the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Readers of this book will revel in a treasure trove of fun-filled facts and anecdotes. Were it not for Cleopatra, for instance, purple might not have become the royal color of the Western world. Without Napoleon, the black graphite pencil might never have found its way into the hands of Cézanne. Without mango-eating cows, the sunsets of Turner might have lost their shimmering glow. And were it not for the pigment cobalt blue, the halls of museums worldwide might still be filled with forged Vermeers. Red ocher, green earth, Indian yellow, lead white—no pigment from the artist’s broad and diverse palette escapes Finlay’s shrewd eye in this breathtaking exploration.

Review: It’s entertaining and informative with pretty pictures too! - This is an entertaining history of pigments used in art and beyond. Who knew that his wallpaper might have lead to Napoleon’s demise! Who knew that the color red impacted the economy of Tlaxcala in the mid 1660s? Learn how the color violet impacted Monet’s art. Easy to read and entertaining, it was a fun and informative read.
Review: Wow if volor - Very informative in colors & their origination.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #190,014 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #55 in Children's Art History #223 in Graphic Design Color Use #691 in Art History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 314 Reviews |

## Images

![The Brilliant History of Color in Art - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81beuKQJSVL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s entertaining and informative with pretty pictures too!
*by A***R on February 13, 2026*

This is an entertaining history of pigments used in art and beyond. Who knew that his wallpaper might have lead to Napoleon’s demise! Who knew that the color red impacted the economy of Tlaxcala in the mid 1660s? Learn how the color violet impacted Monet’s art. Easy to read and entertaining, it was a fun and informative read.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow if volor
*by J***T on August 1, 2025*

Very informative in colors & their origination.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Excellent Compliment to Victoria Finlay's "Colour: A Natural History of the Pallet"
*by M***A on June 29, 2015*

I have read some unflattering reviews of this book by Victoria Finlay but was undeterred after reading her great book "Colour: A Natural History of the Palette". "The Brilliant History of Color" is more of a complement to Ms Finlay's other book. It tells her researched interesting history in short stories that she had uncovered in her travels. Not nearly as detailed as "Colour", it has something the other did not. It is richly illustrated with paintings and photographs that help tell a visual story of the origins of dyes and pigments used by artist and artisans throughout human history. Together these books are very educational, and in some ways, exciting. I read every night, usually a novel or mystery and save my educational reading for daytime. With Ms Finlay's books I have a great read for my brain to digest as I sleep. I have given copies of paperback versions of "Colour" to artist friends but will be keeping this hardcover illustrated book in my studio for inspiration. I will be advising my art groups to acquire a copy of both books in their libraries though.

## Frequently Bought Together

- The Brilliant History of Color in Art
- Color: A Natural History of the Palette
- The Secret Lives of Color

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*Product available on Desertcart Tunisia*
*Store origin: TN*
*Last updated: 2026-08-25*