Verdigris: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in art, chemistry, and antique contexts to refer specifically to the greenish-blue coating that forms on copper, brass, or bronze due to oxidation.

• The statue had a beautiful verdigris that gave it a timeless feel.
• Artists sometimes use verdigris to achieve a unique greenish-blue shade in their paintings.

Used to describe the surface appearance or texture fashioned by age on materials like metal, wood, or stone. It is often associated with a sense of history and natural beauty. Can sometimes have a positive connotation indicating antiquity and authenticity.

• The old bronze vase developed a rich patina over the years, adding to its charm.
• Collectors highly value items with an authentic patina because it shows their age and history.

Commonly used in artistic contexts to refer to pigments used for painting, coloring, or dyeing that have a greenish-blue hue.

• She mixed a greenish-blue pigment to create the perfect shade for the ocean in her painting.
• The fabric was dyed with a greenish-blue pigment, giving it a vibrant and unique color.

Generally used interchangeably with verdigris, often in historical or chemical contexts to describe the same substance.

• After years of exposure to the elements, the old weather vane was covered in verdigris.
• The verdigris on the copper roof glowed a beautiful sea-green in the sunlight.

Used in discussions about art materials and chemistry, often referring to the synthetic form of verdigris used as a pigment.

• The painter chose a copper acetate pigment for its vibrant green color.
• Restorers applied copper acetate pigment to match the original hues of the historical artifact.

This term highlights the toxic nature of certain green pigments, often in safety warnings or discussions about the hazardous properties of pigments in historical art.

• Artists in the past frequently fell ill due to the use of poisonous green pigments.
• It’s important to handle poisonous green pigments with care to avoid health risks.