Carmine Naccarat Intense Pigment

Description

Carmine Naccarat is a handmade natural lake pigment prepared from cochineal derived carminic acid, precipitated onto a mineral substrate in a warm, nacarat hue. It produces a vivid, warm red that is intense crimson, with a luminous pink coral undertone and a richly transparent masstone. Compared to modern quinacridone reds, Carmine Naccarat is more transparent, with a distinctly historical, cosmetic quality; compared to mineral reds, it is more transparent, glowing, and dye like, with a subtle inner light rather than a heavy, opaque body.

In use, Carmine Naccarat gives a brilliant, transparent red ideal for florals, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, portraits, lips and cheeks in historical studies, and luminous glazes in both figurative and decorative work. It has strong tinting strength and builds beautifully in layers, shifting from delicate rose washes to deeper, velvety scarlet when concentrated. It mixes beautifully with yellows for warm peach and coral tones, with earths for refined rose browns and skin tones, and with blues and violets for elegant wine reds and muted plum shadows. As a natural lake based on an organic dye, it is less lightfast than modern synthetic reds and is best reserved for work protected from strong light.

This carmine lake is bound to a mineral base, giving it better handling and stability than the raw dye while preserving its characteristic brilliance and translucency. In artist's colors it offers a uniquely historical, ceremonial red with a strong connection to textiles, cosmetics, and illuminated painting traditions.

History

Cochineal based carmine has been prized for centuries as one of the most beautiful and valuable red dyes. Derived from the dried bodies of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), cultivated especially in Mexico and later across Latin America, carmine was traded globally for its intense crimson and rose red tones. European dyers and painters used cochineal to color silk, wool, parchment, and paper, while apothecaries and perfumers employed it in cosmetics and luxury goods.

The term "nacarat" historically referred to vivid, warm red orange tones seen in textiles, ribbons, and cosmetics, often associated with carmine rich reds leaning toward coral or flame red. By precipitating cochineal dye onto an inert mineral substrate, artisans created carmine lakes that could be used as paint pigments rather than fugitive dyes alone. These lakes appeared in illuminated manuscripts, Baroque and Rococo painting, and 18th to 19th-century decorative arts. In the pictured artwork "Virgin and Child" by Gerard David, the brilliant scarlet dress of St Catherine was painted using Carmine Naccarat. While the pigment is less permanent than modern quinacridones, Carmine Naccarat continues this lineage as an intentionally historical, insect based red, chosen for its beauty, tradition, and unmistakably "living" color.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Organic) carminic acid lake on mineral substrate
Source: Cochineal derived carmine (Dactylopius coccus)
Origin: Peru (natural)
Suitable Mediums: Oil, Watercolor, Gouache, Ink, Egg Tempera, Casein
Lightfastness: Moderate to poor
Opacity: Transparent
Other Names: Carmine Naccarat, Carmine Lake, Cochineal Lake Nacarat
Color Index Code: N/A
Image: "Virgin and Child" by Gerard David from the National Gallery

Health and Safety

• For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
• Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
• Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
• Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
• If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
• Safety Data Sheet available on request.