Description
Deep red, slight purple undertone; ground dark hematite used in prehistoric times; ocher iron oxide, trace minerals. During the Renaissance, it was known as Bishop or Cardinal purple, when murex purple became too expensive even for high-ranking churchmen. Hematite is found pretty much worldwide, but our pigment is currently obtained from India. Mixes with any medium or pigment.
AKA: Indian red, natural red, [Fr] oxyde rouge naturelle, rouge Indien, [It] rosso ossideo.
The gallery photos show:
(1) A 30,000-year-old handprint, from Chauvet Cave in France; created by blowing a natural iron oxide red onto a cave wall.
(2) Watch and ribbon from a still-life by Pieter Claesz (c. 1597–1660) a Dutch ‘Golden Age’ artist.
General protective measures:
Always wear a dust mask, gloves, apron and eye protection.
These dry pigments are not sold for cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical or tattoo use.
Elizabeth (verified owner) –
This deep warm red makes a great shading tone for red ochre.