Sanguine

Description

1) The French term for a natural red clay containing iron ocher. Sanguine most often refers to the red hue produced by natural red earth pigments. The color of sanguine can range from a dark reddish brown to blood red.

2) The term sanguine is also used to coloring sticks (e.g., pencil or chalk) made with a red iron oxide colorant.

3) A drawing down with a sanguine crayon.

Synonyms and Related Terms

sanguined; red chalk; ruddle

Additional Images

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Authority

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985