Artist Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
“Burn shavings and splinters of pitch pine, and when they turn to charcoal, put them out, and pound them into mortar with size. This will make a pretty black for fresco painting.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Architectura, Book II, 1st century BC
Burned pine shavings become charcoal, which is then extinguished and ground into a fine powder for use as black pigment in frescoes.
In simple terms: Charcoal from pine makes black paint.
Key Takeaway
Use charcoal for deep black tones.
Themes
art
craft
materials
Mood
practical
instructional
Type
historical
technical
When to use this quote
- painting frescoes
- restoration
- art education
Key Concepts
pigment preparation
ancient techniques
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you preserve charcoal pigments?
- What alternatives exist for black fresco pigment?
A Different Perspective
Charcoal can be fragile and fade over time.
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