tärpättivärin

Tärpättiväri, sometimes referred to as turpentine pigment or turps dye, is a traditional artist's pigment derived from turpentine. It is not a single, uniform color but rather a category of pigments produced through the chemical treatment of turpentine. Historically, this process involved distilling or otherwise processing turpentine, a volatile resin obtained from coniferous trees, to extract specific colored compounds. The resulting colors could vary depending on the source of the turpentine and the method of extraction.

The pigments produced were often in shades of yellow, brown, or reddish-brown. These colors were valued for their unique hues and their compatibility with oil-based mediums, as turpentine was a common solvent and thinner in oil painting. The natural origin of tärpättiväri also appealed to artists seeking pigments derived from organic materials.

However, tärpättiväri is not widely used or commercially produced today. Modern pigments are synthesized with greater consistency, stability, and a broader range of predictable colors. Furthermore, concerns regarding the volatility and potential health effects associated with turpentine itself have led to its replacement by more refined and safer alternatives in contemporary art practices. While its direct use has diminished, the historical context of tärpättiväri offers insight into the evolution of artist's materials and the early methods of pigment creation.