PRIME:  PHILOSOPHY, CULTURE and RELIGION, continued

Blue in Catholic symbolism, is associated with the Virgin Mary, often expressed by the blue of her robes in many paintings, with a liberal use of a pigment ground from the semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli, mined in Tibet.   Within Hinduism, blue is a sacred colour associated with Krishna.

Lapis Lazuli

The Rest on the Flight to Egypt, Gerard David, circa 1510

Symbolism in the late 19th-century, rejected Realism and Impressionism, seeking to express moods and psychological states through colour, line and form.   Their subjects were often mythological, mystical, or fantastic.   While such philosophical, cultural, religious and quasi-religious approaches to colour may be helpful, I find we need to be aware of the implications of such knowledge, especially when crafting a work, and considering its context vis-a-vis the background of its chosen audience.