CHAP. 30.—ANULARIAN WHITE.
The other colour is that known as "anularian[1] white;"
being used for giving a brilliant whiteness to the figures of
females.[2] This, too, is prepared from a kind of chalk, combined
with the glassy paste which the lower classes wear in their
rings:[3] hence it is, that it has the name "anulare."
1. So called from "anulus," a "ring," as mentioned below.
2. "Quo muliebres picturæ illuminantur." The meaning of this passage
is obscure. It would seem almost to apply to paintings, but Beckmann
is of opinion that the meaning is, "This is the beautiful white with
which the ladies paint or ornament themselves."—Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p.
261. Bohn's Edition.
3. Beckmann suggests that it was so called from its being one of the
sealing earths, "anulus" being the name of a signet ring. Vol. II. p. 260.