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Michael Harding
Genuine Naples Yellow Light - Michael Harding
Oil ColourPY41
PY41

Genuine Naples Yellow Light

No. 605 · Series 6 · 40ml · 60ml · 225ml, 1L, 2.5L, 5L

Inorganic - Lead Antimoniate, in genuine versions, appears to have been used as a pigment since the 5th century B.C. and has been manufactured since the 1400s, becoming one of the most relied-upon colours and in constant demand. I’m one of just a few colourmen left who continues to make the genuine article and not the modern alternative. I do so because its vivid, dense, almost primrose yellow cannot be mimicked, as portraitists and figure painters will attest. It’s more powerful and yet more muted than its equivalents among the Cadmium range, and its handling characteristics are incomparable. Because it tends to react when parsed with steel rollers, to this day I still grind it with stone. Genuine Naples Yellow is incredible-one of our best sellers.

Technical Summary

Genuine Naples Yellow Light is a single-pigment Michael Harding oil colour made with PY41 (Inorganic).

It is opaque, excellent lightfastness, very fast drying time, average tinting strength.

It is ground in linseed oil with very low oil content.

Code
No. 605
Series
Series 6
Pigment Index
PY41
Pigment Type
Inorganic
Oil / Vehicle
Linseed Oil
Sizes
40ml · 60ml · 225ml, 1L, 2.5L, 5L
Lightfastness
Excellent
Opacity
Opaque
Drying
Very Fast
Oil Content
Very Low
Tint Power
Average
Toxicity
Toxic
Colour Science

Measured colour data

Loading measured pigment data…

Pigment Behaviour

Tint · Tone · Shade · Glaze

Preview how Genuine Naples Yellow Light behaves when mixed, toned, shaded and glazed. Each swatch is computed from the masstone using a perceptual subtractive model - an approximation for guidance, not a formulation guarantee.

Masstone swatch
Masstone
L 85.73 · a 3.2 · b 71.85
4.28Y 8.5/10.2

Genuine Naples Yellow Light straight from the tube.

Undertone
#fefade

A thin wash over white.

Tint
#fae784

Mixed with Titanium White.

Tone
#bbab5f

Mixed with a mid neutral grey.

Shade
#948236

Darkened with a chromatic black.

Glaze
#fef5c5

A thin transparent film over white.

Compare Genuine Naples Yellow Light

Compare with nearby colours

See Genuine Naples Yellow Light side-by-side with its closest neighbours in the range — chemistry, opacity and lightfastness at a glance.

Mix with Genuine Naples Yellow Light

Popular combinations

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Where to buy

Genuine Naples Yellow Light

Available from 114 verified stockists worldwide

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Genuine Naples Yellow Light: Questions & Answers

What pigment is used in Genuine Naples Yellow Light?

Genuine Naples Yellow Light is made with PY41.

Is Genuine Naples Yellow Light a single-pigment colour?

Yes. Genuine Naples Yellow Light uses a single pigment (PY41), so its behaviour stays consistent and predictable on the palette.

Is Genuine Naples Yellow Light transparent or opaque?

Genuine Naples Yellow Light is opaque.

Is Genuine Naples Yellow Light lightfast?

Genuine Naples Yellow Light has excellent lightfastness.

Is Genuine Naples Yellow Light vegan?

Yes. Genuine Naples Yellow Light contains no animal-derived ingredients and is suitable for vegan artists.

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Colour Disclaimer: Colours shown on screen or in print may vary from the actual product. For the most accurate representation of colour, texture and finish, we recommend viewing a physical sample or swatch in person before making your final selection.

Product Information & Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is based on research and testing conducted by Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd and is intended as general guidance on the characteristics and potential uses of our products in established painting practices.

While we take care to provide accurate and reliable information, individual materials, techniques, working conditions and applications can vary. Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd cannot guarantee that any product will be suitable for every individual purpose or application. Users should carefully read all product labels, instructions and safety information and carry out appropriate testing before use, particularly when developing individual techniques or combining materials.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd makes no express or implied warranties as to merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and accepts no liability for any loss or damage, including indirect or consequential loss, arising from the use or application of its products.

Colour Representation

Colours displayed on this website and in printed materials are for guidance only. Their appearance may vary depending on screen settings, device, lighting conditions, printing processes and other factors, and may therefore differ from the appearance of the physical product.

For the most accurate representation of colour, texture and finish, we strongly recommend viewing a physical product sample or swatch in person before making a final selection or purchase. Where colour accuracy is important, please do not rely solely on digital or printed representations.

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