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Home | Exhibitions | Barocci: A lesson in drawing | Barocci Drawings: SupportsBlue paper was created by introducing fabrics containing indigo dye into the paper pulp. Blue paper was first recorded in northern Italy and since Venice was a trading centre for fabrics, indigo and other dyestuffs, it is often said to be a Venetian invention. While this theory is not confirmed, it is certain that many northern Italian artists, including Barocci, made extensive use of this type of paper, which offered an ideal cool mid-tone for their drawings in dark and light media. By the time Barocci was active, blue paper was available in the Marche.