Matisse Studio Acrylic Paint 120ml - Carbon Black

Matisse Carbon Black (Series 1) is one of the oldest and most enduring pigments in art history, dating back over 25,000 years. Known historically as Lamp Black, this deep, inky hue was once created from the soot of burned organic materials such as fat, oil, tar, or resin, methods refined over millennia from Paleolithic cave art to ancient Egyptian tomb decoration.

Composed of pure Carbon Black (PBk7), this opaque and lightfast (ASTM I) pigment delivers exceptional coverage and rich, velvety depth. Though modern artists often choose Ivory Black or Mars Black for smoother blending, Carbon Black remains a powerful tool for bold contrast, grounding compositions, and creating cool, bluish-grey tints when mixed with white.

Valued for its historical significance and unique handling qualities, Carbon Black is ideal for:

• Linework and dramatic shadowing
• Creating deep, cool neutrals with Titanium White
• Graphic or abstract applications requiring high-contrast edges
• Adding historic resonance to traditional palettes
  

From prehistoric caves to contemporary canvases, Carbon Black endures as a foundational pigment in artistic expression.

Sizes Available: 120ml, 500ml (sold separately)