cerussa

Cerussa is the Latin term for white lead, a basic lead carbonate pigment historically used in painting and cosmetics. In art, it is commonly referred to as white lead or cerusa; in chemistry, it is described as basic lead carbonate, often represented as 2 PbCO3·Pb(OH)2. The pigment is valued for its opaque coverage, strong tinting strength, and smooth handling in oil media. In cosmetics, a form of cerussa, historically known as ceruse, was used to whiten the skin, but its use in cosmetics has been restricted or banned in many jurisdictions due to health concerns.

Production and properties: Cerussa is produced by a controlled corrosion of metallic lead in the presence of acetic acid (from vinegar) and carbon dioxide, which yields basic lead carbonate. The resulting powder is ground to a fine pigment adaptively used in various media. It provides a bright white with a relatively warm undertone and can affect drying and glaze characteristics in oil painting. Two traditional manufacturing methods, developed in Europe, produced large quantities of pigment for artistic and decorative purposes.

Historical usage: White lead has a long history, appearing in ancient art and continuing into the Renaissance and Baroque periods as a dominant white ground and underlayer in panel and canvas paintings. It was also employed as a cosmetic, particularly in Europe, to achieve a pale complexion. Its pervasive use declined in the 20th century due to health concerns and the development of safer pigments.

Safety and modern status: Lead compounds are toxic if ingested or inhaled, and exposure can cause serious health problems. Modern regulations restrict or ban lead compounds in cosmetics and control occupational exposure in pigment production and handling. In art conservation, lead white remains valued for certain restorations and for matching the appearance of historical works, but it is handled with strict safety measures.

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