Rublev Colours Ercolano Red is a premium natural red ochre sourced from iron ore deposits near Ercolano, Italy. This exceptionally warm red earth is a clay based mineral pigment tinted by iron oxide, producing a classic, powerful earth red with the depth and natural variation painters look for in historic palettes. Like high quality ochres, Ercolano Red contains a strong iron oxide component and is low in silica, contributing to its clean warmth and strong colour presence.

Based on hematite (PR102), Ercolano Red is ideal for portraits, landscapes, and traditional underpainting. Use it for terracotta and brick notes, warm shadow structure, sunlit architecture, and natural skin undertones. It mixes cleanly with other pigments to produce warm neutrals and muted reds without looking artificial. As a true red ochre, it is highly permanent, broadly compatible, and reliably lightfast across oil, acrylic, watercolour, tempera, and fresco applications.

Key features

• Natural Italian red ochre from deposits near Ercolano

• Colour Index PR102, permanent and lightfast (ASTM I)

• Exceptionally warm red earth tone with classic ochre character

• Suitable for oil paint making, watercolour, tempera, fresco, and acrylic dispersions

• Excellent for underpainting, portraits, landscapes, and architectural colour

Safety note: Considered non-toxic, but avoid inhaling dry pigment dust. Use a mask and good ventilation when handling powder.