Rublev Roman Black is a distinctive natural black earth sourced from quarries in Verona, Italy, named for its historical use in fresco painting by ancient Roman artists. Unlike many carbon blacks, Roman Black is comparatively neutral in undertone and non-greasy, making it a reliable studio black when you want clean mixing, controlled greys, and a mineral, earthy surface character rather than a sooty look.

This colour is made from a natural mineral blend of magnetite (iron oxide), calcite (calcium carbonate), and pyrolusite (manganese oxide). The result is a semi-opaque black with medium tinting strength and a medium drying rate, ideal for tonal underpainting, atmospheric passages, and mixing greys that stay soft and natural. With titanium white it produces balanced stone greys and warm-cool neutrals suited to portraits, architecture, and landscape structure.

• Pigment: Roman Black Earth, PBk 11 (natural inorganic mineral blend)

• Binder: Linseed oil

• Additives: None

• Opacity: Semi-opaque

• Tinting strength: Medium

• Drying rate: Medium

• Lightfastness: Not listed

• Permanence: A (permanent)

Note: Because Rublev Artist Oils contain no waxes or stabilisers, slight natural separation of pigment and oil may occur. Knead the tube to remix before painting.