Imagine a time when the mesmerizing ultramarine blue was more precious than gold! This striking pigment was once the secret weapon of only the wealthiest artists, who cherished it like priceless jewels. Crafted from the rare and stunning lapis lazuli, mined exclusively from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, ultramarine blue was a treasure that artists desperately sought. Can you believe that privileged patrons often funded its acquisition for grand churches and family portraits, while artists charged a premium to breathe life into their magnificent creations?
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