PIGMENT: Prussian Blue

Prussian Blue traces the first synthetic pigment through the intertwined worlds of music, science, and commerce. In 1704, an accidental discovery during an experiment in Berlin produced the world's first synthetic pigment. While attempting to create a red pigment, color maker Johann Jacob Diesbach instead produced a vivid, deep blue. Marketed as Prussian Blue, the color became one of the most sought-after pigments in Europe. This program traces its history alongside music by Graun, Handel, Schaffrath, Pepusch, Quantz, J.C. Bach, and C.P.E. Bach.