Sennelier Watercolour S1 Venetian Red (623)

Venetian Red (623) Red iron oxide varies in hue and transparency, depending on hydration and slight impurities. It is very dense and opaque, with excellent tinting strength and covering power. It is the synthetic version of PR102, a pigment made from earth reds or natural red iron oxides, and the names applied to PR101 and PR102 often overlap.

Pigment Name: PR101-Red Iron Oxide (earth, synthetic)

Properties: Red iron oxide varies in hue and transparency, depending on hydration and slight impurities. Indian Red is a slightly duller, deep brick hue with a bluish undertone. It is very dense and opaque, with excellent tinting strength and covering power. It is dependable when mixed with all other permanent pigments. Yields good flesh tints when mixed with Zinc White.

It is the synthetic version of PR102, a pigment made from earth reds or natural red iron oxides, and the names applied to PR101 and PR102 often overlap. Synthetic red iron oxides have mostly replaced natural red iron oxides and are brighter, more robust, finer, and more permanent. Indian Red is the highest grade bluish shade. Light Red, English Red, and Venetian Red are yellowish shades. Mars Violet is a dull and subdued bluish or purplish oxide.

Permanence: Red iron oxide is very lightfast with excellent permanence.

Toxicity: Red iron oxide has no significant hazards.

History: Natural red iron oxide comes from the mineral ore hematite, which the ancient Greeks called bloodstone from the word hema, meaning blood. It is one of the oldest pigments, has been used by every major civilization, and was an important mineral for medieval alchemists. It was not widely used in artists' materials until the 17th century and was not produced in large quantities until the 18th century.