In paintings, Mary is traditionally portrayed in blue. This tradition can trace its origin to the Byzantine Empire, from c.500 AD, where blue was "the colour of an empress". A more practical explanation for the use of this colour is that in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, the blue pigment was derived from the rock lapis lazuli, a stone imported from Afghanistan of greater value than gold. Beyond a painter's retainer, patrons were expected to purchase any gold or lapis lazuli to be used in the painting. Hence, it was an expression of devotion and glorification to swathe the Virgin in gowns of blue.
Which color is traditionally used to portray Mary in paintings? What rock was used as the source of blue pigment in paints in Medieval and Renaissance Europe? From which country was lapis lazuli imported? Lapis lazuli was thought to be more valuable than which precious metal? Which ancient empire is thought to have started the tradition of portraying Mary in paintings using the color blue?