Rublev Artists Oil Venetian White (Series 3, 150ml – Code 808) is an authentic reproduction of the 19th-century commercial colour known as Venetian white (also called Venice white / Venice ceruse). Based on descriptions recorded in George Field’s Chromatography (edited by Thomas Salter), Venetian White was a purposeful mixture of lead white and “heavy spar”—the mineral barite (barium sulfate)—used to create a white with softer opacity and controlled strength for mixing.

Made by Rublev Colours, this paint is ground in walnut oil with no additives (no stearates, waxes, stabilisers, or modern fillers). The inclusion of barite (lower refractive index than lead white) makes Venetian White semi-opaque and especially useful when you want to lighten colours without overpowering them. It’s ideal for pale tints, underlayers, and foundation mixtures, giving you a gentle, workable white that supports subtle colour shifts and traditional handling.

Key features

• Pigments:

  • PW1 Lead White (basic lead carbonate)

  • PW22 Barite / Baryte (barium sulfate)

• Binder: Walnut oil | Additives: None

• Opacity: Semi-opaque | Tinting strength: Medium

• Drying rate: Medium | Permanence: A – Permanent

• ASTM lightfastness: Not listed

Studio note: With no waxes or stabilisers, natural oil separation may occur. This is normal—recombine before use.

Safety: DANGER – CONTAINS LEAD. Harmful if swallowed. Avoid ingestion and skin contact; wear protective gloves/clothing; never use near children or pets; do not apply to surfaces accessible to children or pregnant women. Avoid inhaling spray mists, sanding dust, or vapours from heating. Conforms to ASTM D-4236.