Vine black is produced by charring grape vine cuttings, wood, or other plant materials in closed vessels without air, yielding carbonized matter with mineral impurities from the plant ash. Known since antiquity and described by Cennini as “vine twigs black”. Prepared by heating pruned vine shoots, fruit pits, or hardwoods in sealed containers until completely carbonized, then grinding to powder.
The ash content (silica, calcium, potassium compounds) distinguishes it from pure lamp black and imparts warmer, slightly brownish tones. Moderate oil absorption and reasonable drying properties. Stable, lightfast, and compatible with all techniques. Various woods produce subtly different blacks: vine (warmest), peach/cherry pits, beech, cork. Continued use through modern times as a warm alternative to lamp black.
Usage Timeline:
| Pigment | Prehistory <3000 BCE | Antiquity 3000 BCE–500 CE | Medieval 500–1400 CE | Early Modern 1400–1800 CE | Industrial 1800–1950 CE | Present 1950–today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vine Black |
Key Properties:
| Properties: | Warm deep black with bluish undertones; Opaque; Excellent tinting strength; Moderate oil absorption, good drying in oil |
| Usage: | Prehistory to present |
| Source: | Organic/Plant |
| Toxicity: | Non toxic |
| Fresco: | Yes |
| Tempera: | Yes |
| Oil: | Yes |
| Chemical description: | Carbon (10-30%) with calcium phosphate Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (70-84%) |
| Visualization: | Visible microscopy (irregular particles), IR |
| Identification: | XRF (Ca, P), Raman, FTIR, SEM-EDS |