White
White is an achromatic color, meaning it lacks a specific hue. It is the color of fresh Snow, Chalk, and Milk, and it stands as the polar opposite of Black. In the field of Physics, white light is composed of all visible wavelengths of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. When light strikes an object and is reflected almost entirely without absorption, the object appears white to the human eye. According to Wikipedia, white was one of the first colors used in Paleolithic cave paintings, often derived from Calcite or Gypsum.
In the history of Art, various pigments have been employed to achieve this brightness. Lead White was the primary pigment used in European oil paintings for centuries, favored by masters such as Johannes Vermeer for its opacity, despite its high toxicity. In the modern era, Titanium White has become the most widely used white pigment because it is non-toxic and possesses a high refractive index, as detailed by Britannica.
Symbolically, White is often associated with Purity, Innocence, and Peace. In Western cultures, it is the traditional color for Wedding Dresses, a trend significantly influenced by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. However, in many Eastern cultures, such as in China and India, white is the color of Mourning and is worn at funerals to symbolize the rebirth of the soul.