Old enameled plate with the inscription "VERT DE ZINC MOY." (MEDIUM ZINC GREEN), from a set of enameled plates that equipped the drawers of an old paint merchant's cabinet. Zinc green historically referred to various green pigment preparations, notably a mixture of zinc yellow and Prussian blue, as well as certain zinc and cobalt-based colors. Paint merchants supplied pigments, paints, and various raw materials to painters, decorators, and artisans; their drawer cabinets allowed these numerous powders and preparations to be stored separately, each compartment identified by a plate like this one.
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1900-1920 ✦ Origin: France, former paint merchant ✦ Dimensions: Approx. 13 × 3 cm ✦ Material: Enameled plate ✦ Condition: Good used condition, with enamel chips on the edges, traces of oxidation, scratches, and wear due to age.
Old "Vert de Zinc" enameled plate, an interesting artisan piece testifying to the historical trade of pigments and paints for artists.
