Cobalt violet (Cobaltous phosphate). This fabulous violet comes in two forms- light and deep, though some brands have a color somewhere in between. (For other Cobalt Violet Light pigment varieties see also PV47 and PV49).

Cobalt violet comes in two forms, also sometimes called light and dark, and the lighter is more of an electric red-purple. The dark version is a deep middle violet with high chroma. We tend to think of them as more opaque violets, but the pigment itself is fairly transparent- especially cobalt violet light. They are not strong tinters.

Cobalt violets were a favorite of the Impressionists, and the darker version of cobalt violet (as well as the more poisonous antiquated version of cobalt violet light, the historical pigment arsenate of cobalt) were used by Monet.

The modern version of PV14 is much less toxic but should still be handled with great care. PV14 has a toxicity rating of B, so it does have toxicity and should be treated with caution. For more information on the hazards associated with cobalt pigments, see Monona Rossol's book, The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety. Her most recent work can be found through her site.

In the past this color has been given the most stellar lightfastness ratings, and for a violet it is incredibly lightfast. However, new research from Golden suggests that it may be more vulnerable to a certain kind of light used in their testing methods than once was thought.

We have heard that cobalt violet has low oil requirements when made into a paint, however this is one of the colors where we've had the oil falling out of solution from our commercially prepared tubes which make it look oiler than it is. Despite the oil separation sometimes we've found it be a useful color with unique properties. Be advised that it is a very gentle mixer, i.e. not a strong tinter at all.

Like other cobalts it dries quickly, though some classify this as moderate when set against really fast driers like lead white. We have found this color incredibly useful for neutralizing greens, and overall is a very useful pigment.