red ochre

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Red ochre

The term red ochre describes various kinds of iron oxide earth pigments such as Venetian red, English red, Indian red. Pozzuoli red.

Manufacturer / product code: Kremer / 11574
Chemical description: natural red iron oxide along with clay and other varied natural minerals depending on source. This is a red earth from Burgundy. Kremer PDF
Color: red
Color Index: PR 102
More info: Pigments Through The Ages Colourlex

Red ochre is one of the earliest pigments used by humankind, with a history stretching back tens of thousands of years. Composed primarily of iron oxide minerals such as hematite, red ochre appears prominently in Paleolithic cave paintings, body decoration, and ritual objects. Its deep cultural and symbolic significance is evident at archaeological sites worldwide—from the cave art of Lascaux and Altamira to ancient burials in Africa and the Near East, where ochre was used to mark and honor the dead.

In ancient Egypt, red ochre found extensive use in wall paintings, cosmetics, and decorative arts. It symbolized life, power, and regeneration, appearing in depictions of deities, garments, and architectural details. The Greeks and Romans also prized red ochre, incorporating it into frescoes, sculpture polychromy, and pottery slips. Specific varieties, such as the famed “Sinopia,” were sought after for their warmth and purity.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, red ochre became a cornerstone of the painter’s palette. It was used in fresco, tempera, and oil painting, valued for its stability, availability, and versatility. Renaissance artists relied on red ochre extensively in underdrawings, flesh shadows, draperies, and earthy landscapes. Its warm, natural tone made it indispensable for modeling human skin and creating atmospheric effects.

In the modern era, red ochre continued to serve both artistic and industrial purposes, from traditional painting to ceramics and architectural coatings. Its exceptional permanence and non-toxicity ensured its survival even as synthetic pigments emerged.

Raman Spectroscopy 532 nm – ElviRa Spectrometer for Art

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Pure pigments (no binder, just powder)

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