Alizarine
Alizarine
This page presents the Spectroscopic analysis of this pigment.
The pigment has been examined using XRF spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and Reflectance Spectroscopy. These complementary techniques provide valuable insights into the pigment’s composition and structure.
This page aims to show which analytical methods are most effective for identifying this pigment in artworks and historical materials. By comparing results across different techniques, it serves as a practical reference for Heritage Science, Conservation, and Pigment Analysis.
Alizarine is the artificial form of madder lake, developed in 1869, it was the first natural pigment duplicated artificially
Alizarine, also known as artificial madder lake, is a synthetic pigment first reproduced in 1869, becoming the earliest natural dye to be industrially duplicated.
Originating from the centuries-old tradition of madder-derived pigments, alizarin—which occurs naturally in the roots of Rubia tinctorum—crafted vivid reds in ancient textiles and artworks
The breakthrough by German chemists Carl Gräbe and Carl Liebermann enabled affordable and consistent production of this brilliant red pigment, transforming artistic materials and textile industries alike.
Alizarine delivers a deep, transparent crimson shade prized in painting and textiles.
Alizarin was the first natural dye to be successfully synthesized; this synthetic version perfectly replicated the color properties of natural madder lake, but with far greater consistency, availability, and lower cost. Artificial alizarin quickly replaced plant-derived madder in textile dyeing, printing, and artist pigments. In the art world, it offered a brilliant, transparent red ideal for glazes and subtle color mixing.
Manufacturer / product code: Kremer / 23611
Chemical description: organic compound, anthraquinone. Kremer PDF
Color: red
Color Index: PR 83
More info: CAMEO
Use: Alizarin was developed in 1869 and it showed to be superior to madder lake slowly replacing it.
Raman Spectroscopy 532 nm – ElviRa Spectrometer for Art
Raman spectroscopy 785 nm
Pigments (powder, no binder)
Pigments with acrylic binder (Pigments Checker)
Raman spectroscopy 830 nm
Pigments (powder, no binder)
Raman spectroscopy 1064 nm
Pigments (powder, no binder)
Reflectance Spectroscopy (200-1000 nm) – GorgiasUV Spectrometer
Reflectance spectroscopy – Gorgias Spectrometer for Art
NIR Reflectance spectroscopy
FT-IR Spectroscopy (Non-invasive Diffuse Reflectance Probe)
Pigments databases
The Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO) is a comprehensive, searchable resource providing detailed technical information on materials (pigments), techniques, and tools used in art conservation, preservation, and scientific analysis.
IRUG (Infrared and Raman Users Group) Database
Open-access database of FTIR and Raman spectra for cultural heritage materials. Includes many historical pigments, dyes, and binders.