PBr9—Van Dyke Brown

Pigment Type

earth

Chemical Name

n/a

Chemical Formula

n/a

Properties

Van Dyke Brown is a transparent brown pigment made from organic humic substances like soil, peat, or brown coal. Its transparency makes it more ideal for glazing than umbers and ochres. True Van Dyke Brown can turn dark or fade upon prolonged exposure to sunlight and has a tendency towards grey when mixed with whites. It is no longer used by artists concerned with permanence, and it has been replaced by mixtures containing Transparent Brown and Burnt Sienna.

Permanence

Van Dyke Brown was impermanent in its original varieties, but modern pigments by this name are generally more permanent.

Toxicity

Van Dyke Brown has no significant hazards unless contaminated with silica.

History

The discovery of this pigment dates from the late 16^th or early 17^th century. It was renamed in the 18^th century after the great Flemish painter Anthony Van Dyke, who loved this dark, transparent color. Van Dyke Brown is made from treated Cassel earth with 80-90% organic materials and iron, alumina, and silica.

Alternate Names

Cassel Brown, Cassel Earth, Caste Earth, Cologne Earth, Terra di Colonia. Rubens Brown is a variety of Van Dyke Brown.