Vernis Martin

Description

An imitation lacquer furniture finish. Vernis Martin lacquers were developed by the Martin brothers in France in the 18th century. The original furniture finish formula used a copal resin melted with Cyprus turpentine, amber, oil of turpentine, rosin, and a drying oil. The resin mixture was colored with black, red or blue (Prussian blue) pigments or powdered metal (bronze, gold, copper) to produce deep-toned, satiny finish, lacquer layers. As the technique became popular, the name 'vernis Martin' was soon applied generically to all imitation japanned coatings.

Synonyms and Related Terms

vernice martin; Martin varnish

Resources and Citations

• M.Riccardi-Cubitt, "Vernis Martin" The Dictionary of Art, Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996, P. 611

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

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997