While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment someone "discovered" pigment, the earliest known use of pigments dates back to prehistoric times. Red ochre, a naturally occurring iron oxide, was used in cave paintings as far back as 30,000 years ago.
However, if you're asking about the first synthetic pigment, that honor goes to Egyptian blue, a vibrant blue pigment created by ancient Egyptians around 2500 BC. They combined ground silica, limestone, and copper carbonate to create a highly durable pigment used in wall paintings and sculptures.
The first chemically synthesized pigment, Prussian blue, was discovered accidentally in 1704 by Johann Jacob Diesbach, a German colour maker. He was attempting to create a red pigment when he accidentally produced a vibrant blue.
The discovery of pigments has been ongoing for millennia, with each new pigment opening up new possibilities for artistic expression and technological advancement.
