Prepare to Solve the NYT crossword Clue: Pigment Used in the Lascaux Cave Paintings on April 16, 2024

Hello, everyone! Are you up for a crossword puzzle challenge to start your day? But before we begin, let's dive into some interesting facts about crossword puzzles. The New York Times crossword puzzle became super popular, even considered the fanciest among all the crosswords in the U.S. Many famous people, like opera singer Beverly Sills, writer Norman Mailer, and former President Bill Clinton, have said they like doing it.

You can find the puzzles in lots of books from different publishers, especially Random House and St. Martin's Press. They're also online on The New York Times website, but you need a special subscription to play them there. In 2007, there was even a video game version for the Nintendo DS. And there are all sorts of stuff you can buy with the puzzle on it, like cookie jars, baseballs, and mouse pads. It's everywhere! New York Times crossword puzzle writers get paid a lot for their work.

For Sunday puzzles, they get $1,500, and for weekday puzzles, they get $500. That's a good amount of money for making puzzles! Crossword puzzles come in different types. There are about six main types, including cryptic crosswords, blocked grids, barred grids, thematic crosswords, code word crosswords, and word search puzzles. Each type has its own style and challenges, but they're all fun to solve!

So, if you're ever curious about crossword puzzles or want to try making one yourself, remember that they come in different styles and can earn you some good money if you're good at it! Now, let's focus on the crossword clue: Pigment used in the Lascaux cave paintings This clue is about a substance that was used to make colors for the paintings in the Lascaux caves. The word "pigment" means a material used to add color to something, like paint.

In the Lascaux caves, ancient people painted pictures on the walls using different colors. So, this clue is asking for the name of the substance they used to make those colors. If you're trying to solve this clue in a crossword puzzle, you need to think of a word that describes the material used to create the colors in the Lascaux cave paintings.

Clue

Pigment used in the Lascaux cave paintings

Explanation

The Lascaux cave paintings were created a long time ago by ancient people who lived in caves. They made pictures on the walls using different colors, like red, yellow, and black. These colors were made from natural materials found in the environment. The word "pigment" refers to the substance they used to make these colors.

To make the colors for the paintings, the ancient people would gather materials like minerals, plants, and clay. They would then crush or grind these materials into a powder and mix them with water or other liquids to create a paint-like substance. This substance is called a "pigment."

So, when we talk about the pigment used in the Lascaux cave paintings, we're talking about the materials that were ground up and mixed to make the different colors. These pigments were an important part of creating the beautiful and detailed artwork that we can still see in the caves today.

Hints to Finding the Answer

Still finding it tricky to solve the crossword? Don't worry—I'm here to help by providing hints to guide you to the answer.

• The answer is a 5-letter word.

• The answer starts with O and ends with R.

• It's a type of color.
• It's often a yellowish or reddish-brown shade.
• People have used it for painting and coloring for a long time.
• It's made from natural materials found in the earth.
• It's commonly used in cave paintings and art.

Answer

Great job, everyone! You're amazing at solving crosswords—you nailed it! Well done!

OCHER

Explanation

Ocher is a type of color that people have used for a very long time. It's typically a yellowish or reddish-brown color. You can find it in nature, like in the earth or rocks. People would collect ocher from the ground and use it to paint things or add color to artwork. In history, ocher has been used by many cultures around the world. For example, ancient cave paintings typically used ocher to create the colors.

People would mix ocher with water or other liquids to make paint, and then they would use it to draw pictures on cave walls. Even today, ocher is still used in art. Artists might use ocher to create paintings or drawings because it gives a warm and earthy color. So, ocher is a natural color that people have been using for thousands of years to add color to their art. It's a simple but important material that has been a part of human creativity for a very long time.

Possible Answer

DEER

Explanation

In the Lascaux caves, people painted pictures of different animals on the walls. One of the animals they drew was a deer. Deer are animals with four legs, a long neck, and antlers on the males. They're usually brown or tan. The people who lived in the Lascaux caves a long time ago hunted deer for food, so they were important to them. They painted pictures of deer on the cave walls to show other people what they looked like and to remember the hunts they went on.

When you see the word "deer" in a crossword clue about the Lascaux caves, it's asking for the name of an animal that was drawn on the cave walls. So, if you're trying to solve this clue, you need to think of an animal with four legs, a long neck, and antlers, and that's what "deer" is all about in the Lascaux caves!

STONE AGE

Explanation

The Stone Age was a long time ago, when early humans lived. During this time, they made significant discoveries and created amazing things, like the paintings in the Lascaux caves. The Lascaux caves are located in France, and they have paintings on the walls that were made thousands of years ago. These paintings show pictures of animals, people, and symbols. They were made using natural materials like pigments, which are colored powders, and tools like brushes or fingers.

It's believed that the paintings in the Lascaux caves were made during the Stone Age. This was a time when people didn't have modern technology like we do today. Instead, they used simple tools and materials they found in nature to create beautiful artwork.

So, when we talk about the Stone Age concerning the Lascaux caves, we're talking about a time long ago when early humans painted these incredible pictures on the cave walls. It's amazing to think about how they were able to create such detailed and beautiful artwork using only what they had around them.

STAGS

Explanation

The word "STAGS" refers to animals that were painted on the walls of the Lascaux caves a long time ago. These animals are called stags, and they are like big deer with antlers. In the cave paintings at Lascaux, ancient people drew pictures of different animals they saw around them, including stags. The stags were important to the ancient people because they hunted them for food and materials like fur and bones.

So, they painted pictures of stags on the cave walls to show their importance and maybe to ask for good luck in hunting. When we talk about "STAGS" in the Lascaux cave paintings, we're talking about the images of these animals that were painted on the walls. These paintings are essential because they help us understand what life was like for ancient people and what animals they saw around them.

RED LEAD

Explanation

"Red lead" is a special type of substance used to add color to paint. It's called a "pigment." When people want to paint something, they often use a primer first. Primer is a type of paint that helps the real paint stick better to surfaces like walls or metal. In some primer paints, they add red lead to give it color. This makes the primer turn red or reddish-orange. Red lead is a bright and bold color that helps people see where they've painted and where they haven't. So, if you're looking at a can of primer paint, and it's red or orange, it might be because it has red lead in it. This clue is asking about the substance used to color some primer paints. It's "red lead," and it helps make primer paints look red. That's what "red lead" is all about in the context of this clue.

AZO

Explanation

Azo is a type of pigment that artists use to make colors for their paints. Pigments are what give paints their different colors, like red, yellow, or blue. Azo pigments are made in a lab, and they're known for being bright and vivid. Artists like using Azo pigments because they can make colors that are intense and bold. When artists want to create a certain color, they mix different pigments to get the right shade. Azo pigments are often mixed with other pigments to create a wide range of colors.

For example, they might mix Azo yellow with other pigments to make shades of orange or green. Overall, Azo pigments are important for artists because they help them make their paintings look colorful and vibrant. They're used in all kinds of artwork, from paintings to drawings to sculptures. So, the next time you see a bright, colorful painting, there's a good chance it was made using Azo pigments!

INDIAN RED

Explanation

"Indian Red" is a type of pigment used in painting. It's a reddish-brown color that comes from natural materials found in the earth. People use it to add color to paintings and artworks. The clue mentions communists from Calcutta. This suggests that the answer might be related to a famous artist or group of artists from Calcutta who were also known for their political beliefs.

So, if you're trying to solve this clue in a crossword puzzle, you might want to think about famous artists or art movements associated with Calcutta, India. The answer could be the name of a pigment used by these artists in their paintings. "Indian Red" fits this description because it's a color commonly used in traditional Indian art, and it could be associated with artists from Calcutta who were part of the communist movement. Overall, the clue is asking for the name of a pigment used in painting by communist artists from Calcutta, and the answer is "Indian Red."

PRUSSIAN BLUE

Explanation

Prussian Blue is a color used in painting and dyeing. It's a dark blue color that was first made in Germany a long time ago. People used it to paint pictures and dye fabrics. The word "pigment" means a material used to add color to something, like paint or dye. To make Prussian Blue, people used special ingredients like iron, cyanide, and other chemicals. These ingredients were mixed to make a kind of powder.

Then, they mixed this powder with water or other liquids to make paint or dye. People liked using Prussian Blue because it was a strong color that lasted a long time without fading. It was used in many famous paintings and for coloring fabrics, like clothes. Even today, people still use Prussian Blue in art and design. So, when we talk about Prussian Blue as a pigment, we're talking about the special stuff that's used to make things blue when painting or dyeing.

COBALT BLUE

Explanation

Cobalt blue is a type of color that is used in making glass. It's a deep, rich blue color that comes from a substance called cobalt oxide. This substance is mixed with other materials to create glass that has a blue color. When glassmakers want to make glass that is cobalt blue, they add cobalt oxide to the mixture of materials that they use to make glass. This gives the glass its distinctive blue color.

Glass that is made with cobalt blue pigment can be used for many things, like bottles, vases, or even stained-glass windows. The blue color adds a beautiful touch to the glass and makes it stand out. So, when we talk about cobalt blue as a pigment used in glassmaking, we're referring to the substance that is added to the materials to give the glass its blue color. It's a simple but important ingredient in creating glass that is vibrant and visually striking.

MAGENTA

Explanation

"Magenta" is a special color that's used in printing to make pictures and images look colorful. In printing, especially in a process called "four-color processing," different colors are combined to create all the colors we see in pictures. Magenta is one of these colors. When you look at a picture in a magazine or on a computer screen, it's made up of tiny dots of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, and black.

These dots are so small that when you look at them from far away, they blend to make the colors you see in the picture. Magenta is one of the main colors used in this process. It's a kind of reddish-purple color. When it's mixed with the other colors, it helps to create a wide range of colors, like purples, pinks, and blues. So, if you see the word "magenta" in a crossword puzzle clue, it's talking about this special color that's used in printing to make pictures look colorful

SEPIA

Explanation

Sepia is a kind of brown color that artists use in drawing and watercolor paintings. It's made from a pigment that comes from the ink sac of a type of squid called the cuttlefish. People have been using sepia for a long time to create art. When you see old pictures or paintings that look brownish, they might have been made using sepia. It's a popular color because it gives drawings and paintings a warm and nostalgic feeling.

Artists like to use sepia to add depth and richness to their artwork. So, if you're trying to solve a clue about a brown pigment used in drawing and watercolors, the answer might be "SEPIA." It's a simple way to describe this special brown color that artists have been using for centuries

INK

Explanation

The word "ink" refers to a special liquid that's used for printing words and pictures, like in books and newspapers, or for making designs on the skin in tattoos. It's made from a type of pigment, which is a substance that adds color to things. When ink is used in printing, it's usually made from a mixture of water, dye, and other chemicals. This liquid is then put onto a printing press or printer and transferred onto paper to create words and images.

In tattoos, ink is injected into the skin using a needle. The ink sits under the top layer of skin, creating permanent designs. So, when we talk about "ink" being a pigment used in printing and tattooing, we're referring to the colorful liquid that's used to make words and pictures on paper or to create designs on the skin. It's an important substance that's been used for thousands of years to communicate and express ideas

TONER

Explanation

Toner is a special kind of pigment that's used in a process called xerography, which is how photocopiers and laser printers make copies. In xerography, an image is formed on a metal drum using light and electricity. Then, the toner, which is a fine powder made of pigment and other materials, is attracted to the areas of the drum that have been charged with electricity. Once the toner sticks to the charged areas on the drum, it's transferred onto a piece of paper.

Then, the paper is heated up to make the toner melt and stick to the paper permanently, creating a copy of the original image. So, when we talk about toner being a pigment used in xerography, we mean that it's the special powder that's used to make copies in photocopiers and laser printers. It's an important part of the process because it's what creates the image on the paper.

TROU

Explanation

The word "Trou" is another name for the Lascaux cave. These caves are special because they have ancient paintings on the walls. Long ago, people painted pictures of animals and symbols there. The Lascaux cave is in France, and it's famous for these paintings. The paintings in the Lascaux cave are very old. They were made around 17,000 years ago! That's a really long time ago.

The paintings show animals like horses, bulls, and deer. They also have symbols and shapes. People think the ancient artists used natural materials like minerals and plants to make the paint for the paintings. They might have mixed these materials with water to make colors.

Today, people visit the Lascaux cave to see the paintings. Even though the cave is closed to the public now to protect the paintings, there is a replica cave nearby that people can visit. It's important because it helps us learn about how people lived a long time ago and what was important to them.

PASTEL

Explanation

The word "pastel" can mean two things. First, it's a type of stick made of a substance called Conte, which is used to make colorful marks on paper. Artists like Degas used these pastels to draw pictures of ballerinas and their dresses. The pastels made it easy for artists to create soft, gentle lines and colors in their artwork. Secondly, "pastel" can also describe colors that are soft and light, like baby blue, light pink, or pale yellow.

These colors are often used to create a delicate or gentle feeling in artwork or decoration. So, when you see the word "pastel" in a crossword clue, it could be referring to either the colorful drawing sticks used by artists or the soft, gentle colors they create. It's a versatile word that can mean different things depending on the context

ENAMEL

Explanation

Enamel is a type of paint that's used for pictures, especially when you want them to look shiny and smooth. It's called "enamel" because it gives the picture a glossy finish, like enamel on a piece of jewelry or a bathtub. When artists use enamel paint, they can create vibrant colors and detailed designs. It's often used for painting things like signs, jewelry, and even some types of artwork.

So, when you see this word in a crossword clue, it's asking about a specific kind of paint that artists use for pictures. They might use enamel paint to make the colors really stand out and give the picture a shiny, polished look. That's what "enamel" means when it's talking about paint in a picture

GRAFFITI

Explanation

Graffiti is a type of art that people create by painting or drawing on walls, buildings, or other surfaces in public places. It's similar to cave paintings because both involve making pictures on surfaces. Cave paintings were made a long time ago by ancient people who lived in caves. They used natural materials like minerals and plants to make colors and painted pictures of animals, people, and symbols on the cave walls.

Graffiti artists also use paint or markers to create their art, but they do it in modern settings like cities or urban areas. They might paint pictures, write words, or create designs on walls, bridges, or trains. Sometimes, graffiti is seen as a form of self-expression or a way to make a statement about social or political issues.

So, graffiti is like modern-day cave paintings because both involve creating art on surfaces in public spaces. They're both ways for people to express themselves and share their ideas with others, even though they were made in different times and places.