Naples Yellow

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Naples yellow is a somewhat muted reddish yellow pigment containing Lead(II)-antimonate . It is also known as jaune d'antimoine. It is one of the oldest synthetic pigments, dating from around 1620. The related mineral pigment, bindheimite, dates from the 16th century BC. Naples yellow was used extensively by the old masters and well into the 20th century. The genuine pigment is toxic, and its use today is becoming increasingly rare. Most paints labeled "Naples yellow" are instead made with a mix of modern, less toxic pigments. The colors of these paints vary considerably from one manufacturer to another. Robert Doak in Brooklyn, New York still manufactures a genuine Naples yellow artists' oil paint.