
Color has played a crucial role in mural art throughout history, shaping the ways cultures have communicated, expressed beliefs, and depicted their world. From the earliest known murals, color was not just an aesthetic choice but also a tool for meaning, often tied to religious or spiritual symbolism. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, bright and vivid hues were used in tombs and temples to honor deities and accompany the deceased in the afterlife. The Egyptians’ use of primary colors, such as gold and lapis lazuli, signified divinity and eternal life, giving these murals a transcendent quality. In contrast, the murals of ancient Greece were more subdued, favoring earthy tones like red ochre and natural pigments derived from minerals. These artworks were not only decorative but also educational, serving as a backdrop for philosophical discussions and public events. As time progressed, the Roman Empire further developed mural art, incorporating intricate details and more complex color schemes, using richer tones like reds, yellows, and browns to depict both everyday life and mythological tales. During the Renaissance in Europe, the use of color in murals reached a new height with artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael, who explored the interplay of light and shadow to create depth and realism. The development of oil paints allowed for a broader range of vibrant, lifelike colors. Meanwhile, in Asia, the use of color in murals also carried deep cultural significance. In India, murals depicting religious themes, particularly in the Ajanta Caves, used rich reds, yellows, and blues to convey spiritual teachings. Chinese murals, especially during the Tang Dynasty, often employed gold, green, and red to symbolize wealth and prosperity. These colors were not only decorative but were deeply intertwined with cultural values and beliefs. In the Americas, indigenous cultures such as the Maya and Aztecs incorporated color into their murals as a means of connecting with their gods and ancestors. Bright, bold colors like turquoise, red, and yellow were used to represent the forces of nature and celestial bodies. As colonial influences spread, many of these traditions began to merge, creating unique fusions of color and style. The evolution of color in mural art across cultures shows how different societies have used pigments to communicate more than just visual beauty, creating rich, layered works that reflect the history, values, and beliefs of the people who created them.