Pastels are a type of dry art medium made of pure pigment mixed with a binder and then formed into sticks. They are known for their vibrant colors and smooth, blendable texture.
The origins of pastels can be traced back to ancient times. The earliest known pastel-like drawings were found in the Lascaux caves in France, dating back to around 15,000 BC. These early artists
used ground pigments mixed with water or saliva to create their artworks.
However, pastels as we know them today began to emerge in the 15th century. Artists in Italy and France started using powdered pigments mixed with a gum binder to create sticks that could be
easily applied to paper or other surfaces. The medium gained popularity during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Rosalba Carriera using pastels in their
work.
By the 18th century, pastel painting had become a significant art form, particularly in France. Artists such as Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin and Maurice Quentin de La Tour achieved mastery in the
medium, leading to a golden age of pastel art.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, pastels continued to be used by artists across Europe and beyond, with notable practitioners including Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt. Today, pastels remain
a popular medium for artists due to their versatility and expressive qualities.
1 including tax