Sinopia

Sinopia is a dark reddish-brown natural earth pigment, whose reddish colour comes from hematite, a dehydrated form of iron oxide.

It was widely used in Classical Antiquity and the Middle Ages for painting, and during the Renaissance it was often used on the rough initial layer of plaster for the underdrawing for a fresco.

The word came to be used both for the pigment and for the preparatory drawing itself, which may be revealed when a fresco is stripped from its wall for transfer.

Sinopia was originally mined near the city of Sinope in Asia Minor, and exported to Europe through the port of Sinop, a Greek colony on the Black Sea.

The pigment was valued for its quality and the genuine product was marked with a seal to show its authenticity.

In the Renaissance, sinopia or sinoper meant any of a range of different shades and hues, and the colour had a variety of names; it was sometimes called Venetian red, or Terra di Siena (Sienna earth), or Ocra rosso (red ochre).

The hexadecimal color code for sinopia is #CB410B.

In the additive (digital) color space RGB (Red, Green, Blue), it corresponds to 79.61% Red, 25.49% Green, and 4.31% Blue.

It has a hue angle of 16.9 degrees, a saturation of 89.7% and a lightness of 42%.

Sinopia is a strong orange color that can be used for painting faces, hands and nudes on walls.

• A rustic kitchen with sinopia walls, wooden cabinets, and copper pots and pans.
  The sinopia color can complement the natural materials and add warmth and charm to the room.

• A classic living room with sinopia curtains, cushions, and rugs.
  The sinopia color can create a contrast with neutral furniture and walls, and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

• A modern bedroom with sinopia bedding, lamps, and accessories.
  The sinopia color can bring a pop of energy and personality to the room, and create a cozy and comfortable environment for sleeping and relaxing.