Description
This is the burnt (calcined) version of the Mt.Amiata Raw Sienna we sell, in my opinion the finest and rarest, mined from Mount Amiata in Tuscany. The mine this was sourced from is now shut and this pigment is from the 1950's.
With the seams of this particularly fine Sienna now exhausted or not economically viable in my opinion Sienna of this grade is now no longer available.
Given its location, Mount Amiata is also very likely to be the source of the Italian Renaissance Siennas used by Caravaggio, Titian, etc.
So to the hue, in masstone straight from the tube it looks pretty standard, a rich, red, slightly brown earth. However like it's cousin the Mt.Amiata Raw Sienna, it comes alive when you use it thinly, then powerful luminous reds come out, it's the luminosity that makes it exceptional.
The tints when white is added produce wonderful fleshy hues, which also to me display that luminosity. I mainly paint portraits and to be able to use these particular earths is so inspiring and special, I am very grateful to Wallace Seymour for providing them.
Technical Overview
Pigment - PBr7 - 1950's
Opacity - Semi-Opaque
Binder - Linseed Oil