Drawn to Blue: Artists’ use of Blue Paper

Jonathan Richarson, the elder, Self-portrait, ca. 1695-1715, The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust).

This display presents a selection of drawings on blue paper from The Courtauld’s collection, ranging from works by the Venetian Renaissance artist Jacopo Tintoretto to a watercolour by famed English Artist Joseph Mallord William Turner.

Made from fibres derived from blue rags, blue paper first appeared in Northern Italy in the 14th century. It became a popular drawing support for artists, and its use spread across Western Europe by the late 16th century; it was widely used in England and France in the 18th century. Blue paper provided a nuanced mid-tone which allowed the creation of strong light and dark contrasts, an effect much sought after by draughtsmen.

This exhibition project brought together a team of curators and paper conservators at The Courtauld and the J. Paul Getty Museum to explore the technical aspects and artistic richness of the use of blue paper.