Rublev Colours Roman Black is a dense, opaque natural black earth pigment valued for its weighty coverage and dependable permanence. This brownish-black oxide earth, sometimes referenced historically as Terra nera di Roma, produces a warm to neutral undertone that many painters prefer over carbon blacks. It wets easily, feels less greasy than soot based blacks, and can create charcoal-like effects in mixtures and passages where you want a softer, more natural black.

Roman Black is based on natural black oxide minerals associated with magnetite and related iron and manganese oxides. It offers strong hiding power, excellent stability in light, and broad compatibility across the palette. Use it for deep shadows, tonal underpainting, monochrome studies, and neutralising mixtures without the slick handling or overly blue cast that carbon blacks can introduce.

Key features

• Natural black oxide earth pigment with dense, opaque coverage

• Colour Index PBk11, absolutely permanent and lightfast (ASTM I)

• Warm to neutral undertone, charcoal-like look in use

• Wets easily and is non-greasy compared to carbon blacks

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

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