History of Pastels
What are Pastels?
The term “pastel” itself comes from the French word “pastiche,” meaning paste. This refers to the soft, paste-like consistency of the pigment when it is made into sticks. Chalk pastels are made by mixing pure pigment with a binder like gum arabic or sometimes even water. The resulting stick is then dried and ready to be used in artwork. This method of creating soft color allowed for the creation of stunning, expressive portraits and landscapes, which became particularly popular in the 19th century.
Today, chalk pastels are still widely used by artists of all levels, from hobbyists to professionals. They remain a favorite for their rich color, blendability, and ease of use, making them an enduring part of the artistic world. Whether in the hands of a Renaissance master or a modern-day artist, chalk pastels continue to leave their mark on the canvas, proving their timeless appeal.
Some History
Chalk pastels have a long and colorful history, dating back to ancient times, but their evolution into the art materials we recognize today is a story of cultural and artistic development.
The earliest use of pastels can be traced to the ancient Egyptians, who created pigments from natural minerals and ground them into powders. These pigments were then mixed with water or other binders to create various types of paints. While these early versions weren’t exactly the soft pastels we use today, they laid the groundwork for later developments in pastel art.
Fast forward to the 16th century, and we see a more direct predecessor to modern chalk pastels. During the Renaissance, artists began experimenting with new ways to apply color to paper and other surfaces. The use of pure pigments, without the addition of binders, allowed for more intense, vibrant colors and a softer, chalky texture. This was the beginning of the chalk pastel we know today.
One of the key moments in the history of chalk pastels came in the 18th century. French artists, in particular, embraced the use of pastels. The popularity of pastels soared in Europe, with artists such as Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin and François Boucher creating works that showcased the medium's unique qualities. The ability to blend colors directly on paper, without the need for the meticulous work of oil painting, made pastels particularly appealing. It allowed artists to create vibrant, almost glowing works that were full of texture and life.
During this time, the technique became especially associated with portraiture. Artists like Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun and Mary Cassatt, both famous for their portrait work, used pastels to create intimate and detailed depictions of their subjects. Pastels allowed these artists to capture subtle details like skin tones and textures with a level of softness and delicacy that other mediums couldn’t match.
Over Time
As the 20th century rolled in, chalk pastels began to lose some of their popularity as oil painting and other mediums gained favor. However, artists never abandoned the medium entirely. In the modern era, pastel became favored by many artists for its vibrant color range, speed of application, and the freedom it provided for experimentation. Artists like Edgar Degas, one of the most famous proponents of pastel, used it to capture movement and light in ways that were both dynamic and emotionally resonant.