Sanguina

Sanguina is a term used in Romance-language contexts and in art to denote a shade of red reminiscent of blood. The word stems from Latin sanguineus, meaning “of blood,” and is related to the English word sanguine. In color naming and design, sanguina is often employed to describe a warm, earthy red hue that sits between red and brown on many color palettes.

In art and pigment traditions, sanguina refers to pigments and drawing materials derived from iron oxides. Sanguine pigments were widely used in European drawing and underpainting, especially for flesh tones and warm shadows. They produce a natural, subdued red-brown color that ages to a rich patina, and today they are appreciated for their historical and tonal qualities as an alternative to more saturated red pigments.

Usage and terminology vary by language and era. In Italian and Spanish contexts, sanguina or similar forms may appear in color catalogs or artistic discussions to denote this warm red shade, while English-language sources more commonly use sanguine as the name of the pigment or color family. As a color term, sanguina is generally associated with classic, traditional aesthetics rather than bright, pure reds.

See also: Sanguine; Sanguine pigment.