During the 15th and 16th centuries, oil paint was made using a variety of pigments, or coloring agents, that were ground into a paste and mixed with a binder, or medium, made from oil. The most common pigments used in oil paint during this time were derived from minerals and included earth pigments, such as ochre and umber, and metallic pigments, such as lead white and vermilion.

In addition to these natural pigments, artists also used a range of synthetic pigments, which were created through chemical reactions or manufactured from raw materials. These pigments included ultramarine, which was made from the mineral lapis lazuli, and carmine, which was made from the cochineal insect.

Oil paint was often mixed with other substances, such as resin or varnish, to create different effects and to improve the paint’s durability and longevity. The use of different pigments and additives allowed artists to create a wide range of colours and effects with oil paint, and contributed to the medium’s versatility and expressive potential.