European Summer in the U.S.
Italy has some signature colors with signature pasts. Why not take inspiration from these historical hues this summer?
Lemon Yellow
Limoni can be found just about everywhere in Italy. The citrus fruit has historically been a symbol of luxury, prosperity, and the Mediterranean lifestyle in general. Though lemons originated in Asia, they have been grown in Italy since the Roman Empire. In fact, lemons were used during this time to treat sailors with scurvy. Lemons were the perfect remedy because of their high concentration of Vitamin C. One traveling in Italy will see lemons primarily along the Amalfi Coast and in the city of Sorrento, where several different varieties of lemons are grown. The citrus decorates pottery, plates, tiles, pitchers, textiles, and more in these areas of Italy.
To add some zest to this summer’s wardrobe, check out these pieces…
Pompeian Red
The Dionysiac Mystery Frieze is one of the many iconic pieces found in the ruins of Pompeii. The wall painting gets its name from its exhibition of the Dionysian mystery cult, specifically the initiation process. Moving from right to left, the frieze tells the story of a bride’s initiation, her journey from girlhood to womanhood. The frieze is located in the Villa of Mysteries, which served as both a place to hold private religious ceremonies and to produce wine. Arguably, the most recognizable aspect of the Dionysiac Mystery Frieze is its background color: Pompeian Red. This bright, bold color was even brighter and bolder upon its initial excavation. The frieze has since lost some of its vibrance due to exposure to the elements.
Interestingly, some experts believe other pieces that exhibit Pompeian Red have experienced an even more drastic change. Researchers theorize that some of the Pompeian Red existing now was initially a Pompeian yellow. They claim gases released during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius reacted with the paint to cause this color change. However, Cambridge professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill believes the Mystery Frieze was red from the beginning, which was a costly endeavor. Because of this, the frieze’s Pomepian Red has always been a symbol of wealth from its very creation.
To take inspiration from this ancient symbol of wealth, try these pieces…
Lapis Lazuli
This specific blue gemstone has transfixed people for thousands of years. Lapis lazuli was utilized by the Egyptians and Babylonians; they believed the stone held the power to defend against evil. In Egypt, lapis lazuli was utilized in famous pieces like King Tutankhamun’s Death Mask. Even the Babylonian Ishtar Gate was built with glazed brick to resemble lapis lazuli. The gemstone was brought to Europe via the Crusades, where it continued to grow in popularity. Some artists began to ground the lapis to create ultramarine, a bright blue pigment. This pigment was utilized in the paintings of the Scrovegni Chapel frescos and even Michelangelo’s famous fescos in the Sistine Chapel. Throughout this entire time, lapis could only be imported from the Sar-e-Sang valley of Afghanistan. This put a steep price tag on the gemstone, which is how lapis lazuli quickly became a symbol of luxury.
Feel luxurious in blue this summer by cheking out these pieces…
Written by Abbie Billingsley, Photography: Mackenzie Ortiz, Social Media: Kate Puckett, Videography: Abby Maltese