Despite his name, Blome disdained flower colors in his manual for gentlemen learning to paint miniatures, as being too inexpensive, as well as too transparent. He also, however, pointed out the toxicity of some contemporary colors, such as orpiment (auripigmentum – the color of gold).

Richard Blome, The Gentleman’s Recreation in Two Parts (London: Blome, 1686), 60.

In this Account of Colours, I forbear to speak of Verdigrease, Orpment, and several others, as being unnecessary, or dangerous, by reason of their unnatural Quality, or else for their course and greasie Body, not suffered to accompany with the other Colours, as being of a more fine, subtile, and transparent Nature.

There are yet omitted divers other Colours, as Saffron, &c. (which are very good to be used) besides some others, which are Extractions from Flowers, Juice of Herbs, or Roots, which by reason of their Cheapness are esteemed fitter for those that wash Prints and Maps, than for Limning; yet of these, or the like Extractions, from Flowers, Herbs, &c. though they be esteemed of so small value, nevertheless they are exceeding good and pleasant; (if rightly extracted.) There are also Colours which proceed from Berries, as Bay-Berries, French-Berries, &c. that make a good Yellow. Other Colours that are made of Woods, as Brazil, Log-wood, and the like, which make good Reds, I have also omitted other Colours, as Purples, Murreys, &c. by reason they are compounded and made of those aforesaid, of which I shall treat in a place more convenient.