Vermilion

DEFINITION

A brilliant, pure light red pigment, opaque and heavy that works well with oil paint. Vermilion has been in use from early times in China and appeared in Europe about the 8th Century. It has proven durable and permanent, especially when not covered with a protective coating such as varnish. In the 1920s, Vermilion was replaced in popularity by light Cadmium Red because of the tendency of Vermilion to turn dark in spots. Source: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques". <br><br>A particular red pigment.Related resource: Pigments through the Ages on vermilion. Also see antimony.