A blue-green patina that forms on copper, bronze, or brass through oxidation and corrosion. In painting, it refers to copper-based green pigments that can be unstable and change color over time.
From Old French 'vert de Grèce' meaning 'green of Greece,' referring to the green corrosion found on ancient Greek bronzes. The term evolved through medieval Latin 'viride aeris' (green of copper).
The Statue of Liberty's iconic green color is actually verdigris that formed over 30 years as her copper skin oxidized! Medieval and Renaissance painters prized verdigris pigments for their brilliant green hues, but many paintings now look different because the pigment has darkened or shifted color over centuries.
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