Old enamel plate bearing the inscription "TERRE D'OMBRE NAT." (NATURAL UMBRA), from a set of enamel plates that equipped the drawers of an old paint merchant's cabinet. Natural umber is a brown mineral pigment composed notably of clay, iron and manganese oxides; very anciently used in painting, it was also marketed in the 19th century as a natural color. Paint merchants supplied pigments, colors and various raw materials to painters, decorators and artisans; their drawer cabinets allowed these numerous powders and preparations to be stored separately, each compartment being identified by a plate like this one.
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1900-1920 ✦ Provenance: France, old paint merchant ✦ Dimensions: approx. 13 × 3 cm ✦ Material: Enamel plate ✦ Condition: Good used condition, with small enamel chips, traces of oxidation, scratches and wear due to age.
Old enamel plate "Terre d'Ombre Naturelle" (Natural Umber), an authentic trade object related to traditional pigments and old paint merchants.
