Heavenly Colours – Blue and Gold

Historically, blue and gold have been among the most precious materials. Due to their brilliance and cost, they have taken on countless meanings.

  • 28.3.–25.8.2019
Tickets: with a museum ticket
Photo: Finnish National Gallery / Hannu Pakarinen.

Gold refers to the sun, to God, power and wealth. Blue is the colour of honour and dignity, as well as a symbol of power. In medieval art, gold represented the kingdom of heaven. The Virgin Mary sat on her throne, surrounded by gold and brilliance with heavenly light accentuated against the blue of her robe. Over time, meanings have become more metaphorical. Materials and colours affect our mental associations, memories and emotional experience.