Eosin Geranium Lake (Genuine Historical Pigment), AR87 Eosine Lake, Acid Red 87 Dye
PR90
Alternate Names
Phloxine Red (lead)
Eosin (lead salt)
Pigment Description
The famous fading red of Vincent Van Gogh. Eosin Y is a gorgeous bright red-purple which is almost fluorescent looking. Unfortunately it is not lightfast. This is the red responsible for the interesting comparison photos of how VanGogh's paintings may have looked-- rooms which he painted in purple now appear blue as the fugitive Eosin faded out. However, traces of its existence can be found on the painting, so restorers infer it was there.
Artiscreation distinguishes this variety of Eosin as the type that was laked onto lead oxide. Other varieties (PR90:1) exist which are laked onto another substrate. Of course lead is toxic so consult the proper health and safety warnings (such as Monona Rossol, the SDS, and others) on how to handle this pigment.
Resources
PR90 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Halford, Bethany. (2024, December 2). The Vanishing Violet in Van Gogh's Irises. Chemical and Engineering News,
Rossol, Monona. The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide. New York, NY : Allworth Press, 2001. The book is rather dated, updated information is available from her website.
Stats
Lightfastness
Poor?
Fades
Transparency
Transparent
Toxicity
Toxic if laked onto lead oxide, we do not know about what hazards (if any) the dye portion contains. If laked onto lead it is poisonous-lead and chromium. Monona Rossol writes that AR87 is a “Serious eye hazard, causes cheilitis, dermatitis and stomatitis.”
Poisonous if laked onto lead, very toxic. Please consult the proper health and safety experts for handling. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.
Chemical Name
Xanthrene: Acid Red 87 Dye laked onto lead oxide, or Xanthene salt of acid dye
C₂₀H₈Br₄O₅.xPb
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