Old enamel plate bearing the inscription "TERRE DE SIENNE NAT." (Natural Sienna Earth), from a set of enamel plates that equipped the drawers of an old paint merchant's cabinet. Natural Sienna Earth is a yellow-brown mineral pigment based on iron oxides, clay, and manganese, traditionally associated with the Siena region in Italy and used for centuries in painting. Paint merchants supplied pigments, colors, and various raw materials to painters, decorators, and craftsmen; their drawer cabinets allowed these many powders and preparations to be stored separately, each compartment being identified by a plate like this one.
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1900-1920 ✦ Origin: France, former paint merchant ✦ Dimensions: approx. 13 × 3 cm ✦ Material: Enamel plate ✦ Condition: Good used condition, with enamel chips on the edges, traces of oxidation, scratches and wear due to age.
Old enamel plate "Terre de Sienne Naturelle" (Natural Sienna Earth), an authentic professional object related to mineral pigments and old paint merchant shops.
