Old enameled plate bearing the inscription "TERRE D'OMBRE CALC." (Burnt Umber), from a set of enameled plates that equipped the drawers of an old paint dealer's cabinet. Calcined umber, now called burnt umber, is a natural mineral pigment rich in iron and manganese oxides; calcination transforms natural umber into a warmer, more reddish brown hue. Paint dealers supplied pigments, paints, and various raw materials to painters, decorators, and artisans; their drawer cabinets allowed them to keep these numerous powders and preparations separate, each compartment identified by a plate like this one.
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1900-1920 ✦ Provenance: France, old paint dealer ✦ Dimensions: approx. 13 × 3 cm ✦ Material: Enameled plate ✦ Condition: Good used condition, with small enamel chips, traces of oxidation, scratches, and wear from time.
Old enameled plate "Terre d'Ombre Calc.", authentic professional object related to historical pigments and old paint dealers.
