As was the case with white pigments, so with yellow: of the large number known very few are in extensive use. In former times the number of yellow pigments employed in painting was far greater than at present; several, formerly in general use, have dropped out, partially or entirely, owing either to their poisonous character or to their replacement by others, deeper and more handsome. Especially since the discovery of cadmium yellow and the development of the manufacture of chrome yellows, many colours once in general use have properly fallen into disuse.

Again, unfortunately, the most important of the yellow mineral pigments contain lead, and have little stability; but a series of yellow colours free from lead is known, and though some of them are inferior in shade to the lead pigments they surpass the latter in permanence.

In addition to lead compounds, pigments derived from barium, zinc, antimony and cadmium are in general use. The yellow lead pigments were formerly preferred, and at present, so far as concerns beauty, they must be regarded as superior to other mineral yellows. The endeavour to provide the artist with permanent colours has resulted in the use of others, perhaps less brilliant, but very lasting. Under the name of chrome yellow a single pigment consisting of lead chromate was formerly understood; to-day, under this title is comprised a series of pigments containing zinc or barium in place of lead, but all commercially known as chrome yellow.