The color red, with its vibrant and passionate presence, has always been a central element in the history of humanity. From cave paintings to contemporary fashion runways, red leaves an indelible mark on culture, art and human psychology. The journey of the color red through the centuries is fascinating. From its earliest uses in prehistory to its role in modern society, it always stands out.
The prehistoric origins of the color red and its use in ancient civilizations
The first manifestations of the color red date back to prehistory, where humans used iron oxide pigments to create cave paintings. These depictions of animals and hunting scenes not only served as artistic expressions, but also as a means of communicating vital information about the environment and hunting activities.
As ancient civilizations flourished, the color red took on even deeper meaning. In ancient Egypt, red was associated with life, power and fertility, and was used in religious ceremonies and funerary decorations. On the other hand, in ancient China, red symbolized good luck and happiness, it is a prominent color widely used in traditional festivals and rituals. Likewise, dDuring the Middle Ages and Renaissance, red continued to play a prominent role in European art and culture. Furthermore, he was associated with royalty and clergy.
The different types of red in history:
- Red ocher: used since 15,000 BC in cave paintings such as the Altamira Caves, and as body paint.
- Cinnabar: sulfide of mercury used for decoration.
- Vermilion or Chinese red, so called because they are the ones who discovered it.
- Crimson: they created it with insects, initially they used the kermes and then the cochineal.
- Red lead: it was very cheap and that is why it was used in manuscripts and on the canvases of works of art.
- Cadmium red: its origin is cadmium sulfide and it is still used by artists today.
Red in fashion and modern design
In the modern era, the color red has continued to captivate designers and artists around the world as a symbol of passion, glamor and boldness. Additionally, in graphic design and advertising, red is used to capture the viewer’s attention and convey a message of energy and emotion.
It not only has a visual impact, but also an emotional and psychological one. It has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as attention and arousal. Additionally, it is associated with intense emotions such as love, anger and passion, making it a powerful color in the area of human relationships and interpersonal communication.
In the history of the color red there is cultural, artistic and emotional significance. It was and will continue to be a color that awakens emotions and challenges the limits of human expression, whether in art, fashion or psychology.
