Rublev Vine Black (German Vine Black) is a distinctive natural black earth that produces a moderate, slightly cool grey ideal for subtle value control. It is especially valued for portrait work because it can grey down flesh tones without dirtying them, creating believable shadows and half-tones rather than sooty, heavy blacks. Pliny described a black earth called “Ampelitis” (vine earth), historically linked to the source of this colour from Germany.

This paint is based on a natural earth composition dominated by magnetite (Fe3O4), with accessory goethite (FeO(OH)) and clay minerals typical of vine earths. Ground in linseed oil with no additives, it delivers high tinting strength with a semi-opaque body and a controlled, earthy undertone that mixes cleanly into natural greys. Use it for tonal underpainting, atmospheric passages, neutralising mixtures, and refined greys for portrait structure.

• Pigment: German Vine Black Earth, PBk 11 (CI 77499)

• Binder: Linseed oil

• Additives: None

• Opacity: Semi-opaque

• Tinting strength: High

• Drying rate: Medium

• ASTM lightfastness: I

• Permanence: A

• Code: 904

• Series: 1

Note: Because Rublev Artist Oils contain no waxes or stabilisers, slight natural separation of pigment and oil may occur. Knead the tube to remix before painting.