If you used it to kill vermin or create exciting fireworks, you knew it by one name; if you used it to make a major aesthetic statement, you knew it by another. Associated both with great art and with such unfortunate disorders as diabetes, blindness, and even madness, this substance hasn't been available for over 40 years but has never been matched in quality. What is it, and what artist specially favored it?

peasypod

Hmmmmm, a shot in the dark but I wonder if Hexachlorobenzene might fit in here somewhere? Banned in the US since 1965, used in some oil paints, a pesticide, and ingredient in fireworks. Guess I just need to go scrounge up an mad, blind artist... Jun 08 06, 9:28 PM

NatalieW

I'm thinking it's mercuric sulfide, which was used in fireworks and is otherwise known as vermillion (also spelled "vermilion") when used as a paint. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermilion I can't find any reference to a particular artist using it except a mention of JW Turner, who used mercuric iodide. All mercury compounds are poisonous, and vermillion was phased out and replaced by cadmium red, which is more stable and less toxic. Jun 08 06, 9:43 PM

lanfranco

Thinking about deteriorating eyesight and madness could help, especially while taking a nice walk in the country and enjoying the view. Jun 09 06, 11:11 AM

teash

Ok...Here goes my best effort: Thallium, Prussian Blue, Claude Monet. Jun 11 06, 6:27 AM

zbeckabee

Vincent van Gogh loved the stuff: "liqueur known as absinthe, containing a neurotoxin called thujone found in wormwood oil." (WIKI) http://www.vintageassessments.com/nparticlmay19.html Jun 11 06, 8:54 AM

lanfranco

Hmmm, you people are doing well on relevant artists but you haven't quite gotten the answer. And the specific artist I had in mind hasn't come up yet. At least, not here. Absinthe does share something with this substance. Jun 11 06, 4:07 PM

peasypod

So, I could still yell out Cezanne and his retinopathy and get a pat on the back? Jun 11 06, 5:33 PM

lanfranco

Well, yes. But only in conjunction with the right answer. Jun 11 06, 5:44 PM

peasypod

So, if I were to mumble Paris Green, I'd get something sweet? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Green Jun 11 06, 5:50 PM

lanfranco

Mais, oui, peasy! Yes, Paris/Emerald Green is the color for which I was looking. As for something sweet, peasy, you get a dozen mille-feuilles. Dusted with gold. Though you could have a few cannoli if you'd rather. Jun 11 06, 6:34 PM