Why Do Paintings Last for Centuries — And Why Do Others Fade Away?

Imagine painting with crayons on paper. Some colors stay bright, like the red of a rose, that’s like a strong pigment. But other colors might fade or crumble over time, just like the yellow of a crayon that gets smudged. Paintings last longer if their pigments are strong and their canvas is protected. If they’re in a damp room or exposed to sunlight, they might start to break down.