redchalk

Red chalk, commonly called sanguine, is a soft drawing material made from a fine iron oxide pigment (hematite) pressed into sticks or formed as a chalk-like pencil. It yields warm, reddish-brown lines and tones that are valued for figure drawing and preparatory studies. Although it is often referred to as a chalk, red chalk is a pigment-based material rather than a true carbonate chalk.

Historically, red chalk has been used in European drawing since the Renaissance and into the Baroque period. Artists favored its natural warmth for depicting skin tones, drapery, and shading, often on toned paper. It was frequently used for quick sketches and finished studies alike, sometimes in conjunction with other media such as charcoal, ink, or wash. Masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and later Rembrandt and their contemporaries employed sanguine in preparatory drawings and anatomical studies.

Technique and handling vary with the form. Red chalk can be used dry for crisp outlines or blended with the finger or a stump to create soft gradations. It is prone to smudging, so artists commonly fix the drawing to preserve the work. It performs best on textured or toned paper, which can enhance the depth of the red hue.

Conservation notes: red chalk drawings should be kept in stable humidity and protected from excessive handling, light, and heat. Storage in sealed or acid-free environments helps maintain the pigment and binder integrity over time.