Cadmium orange was introduced in the 1840s as part of the cadmium colour family. Van Gogh was among the first to use it extensively, applying it directly from the tube in thick impasto strokes. The Fauvist movement of the early 20th century elevated orange to a primary expressive colour.

Energetic, enthusiastic, and warm. Cadmium orange is the colour of harvest, fire, and autumn sunsets. It is less aggressive than red but more energetic than yellow — a colour of creativity and warmth. In large quantities it can feel overwhelming; as an accent it radiates vitality.

Van Gogh's passionate use of orange — contrasted against complementary blues and purples — became one of the most influential colour relationships in Western art. Orange has become associated with creativity and unconventionality. The Dutch royal family's association with orange (House of Orange) makes it the national colour of the Netherlands.