Rublev Colours Cassel Earth is a deep, semi-opaque brownish-black pigment blend inspired by the historic Van Dyck browns used by Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. Imported from Italy, this modern Cassel Earth is formulated as a refined blend of natural iron oxides and umber to recreate the classic old master colour while avoiding the permanence issues linked to some lignite based Cassel earth pigments.

In use, Cassel Earth produces a rich, warm brown-black mass tone that can be pushed into transparent shadow glazes and neutral mixes. It is excellent for portraits, landscapes, and traditional underpainting where you want depth without harshness. Mixed with yellow ochre it creates warm transparent browns, and with whites it can produce smoky, subdued greys.

Because this Cassel Earth is a mineral blend rather than a lignite heavy earth, it is considered permanent and broadly compatible across common painting mediums. It can be used to make oil paint, watercolour, tempera, and many studio mixtures where a stable Van Dyck brown look is desired.

Key features

• Classic Cassel Earth / Van Dyck Brown look with a deep brown-black tone

• Blend of natural iron oxides and umber, imported from Italy

• Semi-opaque with strong value range for shadows and glazing mixtures

• Lightfastness ASTM I in acrylic, oil, and watercolour systems

• Ideal for old master palettes, portrait shadows, and neutral browns

Safety note: Dry pigment dust should not be inhaled. Cassel Earth contains manganese compounds, so use a mask, gloves, and good ventilation when handling powder.