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Abstract :
[en] Due to their trade value, a huge range of artistic materials are documented and recorded in historical written sources. However, certain substances are not registered in these archives because they did not have a market value. This is especially the case for vegetal species which artists easily found in nature and used for their colouring principles, like anthocyanin colorants. As they are characterized by a great sensitivity to the slightest changes in pH and as they are highly unstable in ordinary daylight, these colorants were not frequently used in the dyeing of quality materials or in painting. Up until now, they have been mainly considered as being used in a domestic context, for the dyeing of everyday clothes. Moreover, after ageing, the plant species are difficult to identify with currently-used analytical methods.
We therefore intend to bring to light these « elusive » substances through the close examination of an original and primordial source : artistic recipe books. Our previous researches have highlighted that these books not only describe these organic colorants, but that they also indicate their use in illumination. From the 14th to the 16th century, hundreds of recipe books containing information relating to these colorants were produced. They describe both their preparation, their diverse applications and the required conditions for their conservation. These recipe books also inform us about the different hues obtained from these colorants.
Our study will involve analysing the significance of these organic substances as well as (re)defining their use with a view to increasing our knowledge of historical artistic practices and materials. Furthermore, it could also help to identify specific artistic productions or workshops. Finally, it would be possible to learn more about the status of artists, their working conditions and their training.
