When Was Gouache Invented?

It's regarded that gouache came about in the 16th century after artists applied oil paint over tempera to achieve a matt finish. It was also used in the 18th century for adding details to pastel paintings. In the 19th Century it was produced industrially and Chinese white tubes were added to watercolour boxes.

Who invented gouache?

It comes from the Italian word guazzo, which means “mud.” Gouache is a special art medium because it's easy to work with and complex to master. No one knows who exactly invented it, but we do know who put it on the map! 20th century artist Henri Matisse featured gouache in his renowned Blue Nudes paintings.

When did gouache become popular?

In 18th-century Europe, gouache became popular with artists seeking its pearly, pastel tones.