Stil de Grain Deep Pigment

Description

Buckthorn Lake is a natural lake pigment derived from Buckthorn berries of Rhamnus cathartica. The berries are processed with a calcium carbonate mordant to yield a range of vibrant, golden tone of soft yellow. Historically, this pigment was widely used in manuscript illumination, textile dyeing, and fine art painting due to its rich, organic color.

Buckthorn Lake provides a delicate yet warm yellow with subtle transparency, making it ideal for glazing techniques. It blends beautifully with other natural pigments and creates soft, luminous effects in watercolor, oil, and tempera applications. However, like many organic lake pigments, it is moderately lightfast and may fade over time with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Compared to synthetic yellows, Buckthorn Lake offers a more muted, earthy tone, making it a preferred choice for historical restoration and artists seeking natural hues.

History

Ancient and Medieval Use (Antiquity, 1400s CE): Used as a textile dye and in manuscript illumination, particularly in medieval European art.

Renaissance and Baroque Period (1400s, 1700s CE): Widely known as "Stil de Grain" in France and "Dutch Pink" in the Netherlands, it became a staple pigment in painting and decorative arts. In the pictured self portrait by Rembrandt, Deep Stil de Grain is used throughout the portrait subject and background as a translucent glaze to give a golden glow to the painting.

19th Century Decline (1800s CE): With the rise of synthetic dyes and pigments, its use diminished in favor of more permanent yellow pigments such as chrome yellow and cadmium yellow.

Contemporary Applications: Primarily used in historical reconstructions, manuscript conservation, and by artists who prefer natural pigment sources.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural Lake Pigment
Source: Rhamnus cathartica or Rhamnus frangula (Buckthorn Berries)
Origin: Europe, Mediterranean, Asia
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Manuscript Illumination
Lightfastness: Moderate to Low (can fade with prolonged light exposure)
Opacity: Semi-translucent
Other Names: Pink, Dutch Pink, Yellow Lake, Buckthorn Yellow
Color Index Code: NY14
Image: 'Self Portrait at the Age of 63' by Rembrandt 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.