Byzantine, Gothic and
Early Renaissance
paintings are rich in
philosophical and
Christian symbolism
regarding the Colors.
Blue - symbolizes
purity; The Virgin Mary;
Virgin and Child; The
Immaculate Conception
Purple - symbolizes
Christ in Majesty, In
Byzantine Style
painting
Important Holy figures
wear purple robes,
outlined in red.
Red- a symbol of
greediness and lust.
Denotes sin; sins
of mankind, original
sin; temptation, Judas,
Harrowing of Hell, The
Fiery Furnace, Slaughter
of the Innocents,
Apocalypse
Green
- symbolizes the
Resurrection, the
Ascension, Baptism
White - is a sign of
innocence; Birth, Youth,
Betrothal and Marriage;
The Virgin Mary; Virgin
and Child; The
Immaculate Conception,
The Holy Family
Grey/Black/Dark Brown -
symbolic of the
Entombment,
Crosses,
Crucifixes
Yellow - symbolizes a
remembrance of the
spiritual world ;
miracles,
harmony, sustenance of
the soul
Pink - symbolizes
eternal innocence; The
Virgin Mary; Virgin and
Child; The Immaculate
Conception
Orange - a
symbol of materialism
and desire for worldly
goods in favor of
spiritual health.
Denotes indulgence;
carnal desires, original
sin; corruption, Judas.