The Virgin's robe in Lorenzo Monaco's late 14th century Coronation of the Virgin has faded from deep pinkish mauve to white. Exposure to light, both invisible and to a lesser degree visible, is a key damaging factor. Differences in protection offered to the pigment by the binding may also have affected the change. Red lake, lead white and ultramarine were detected in areas of the robe protected by mordant gilding. Fading in the red lake paint in this and other noted examples in Europe suggests that the phenomenon is more common than supposed. References, photographs, transmittance spectra.