Venice turpentine

Current name

Information from the Getty AAT

Venice turpentine

A thick, viscous exudation from the Austrian larch tree, Larix decidua, containing 63% resinous acids, 20% terpenes, and 14% resins. It has been used since the 16th century in small amounts to produce an enamel-like surface that is non-yellowing. However, it is not used as a varnish because it quickly becomes dark and brittle when exposed to oxygen and light. It is also used as a mounting medium for light microscopy and as a plasticizer in glue paste linings. A thick, viscous exudation from the Austrian larch tree, Larix decidua, containing 63% resinous acids, 20% terpenes, and 14% resins. It has been used since the 16th century in small amounts to produce an enamel-like surface that is non-yellowing. However, it is not used as a varnish because it quickly becomes dark and brittle when exposed to oxygen and light. It is also used as a mounting medium for light microscopy and as a plasticizer in glue paste linings.

General

Venice turpentine is a semi-liquid resin subtracted from the larch (Larix decidua Mill. (= Larix europaea DC.)). Venice Turpentine was increasingly used for varnishes from the seventeenth century onward. When distilled the resin could yield a spirit similar to turpentine oil. Venice turpentine has been used as an ingredient for sealing wax (Cera rosa, cerae Sigillaris, Siegelwachs). Besides varnishes and waxes, the turpentine was used as a pharmacological ends.

 

Jo Kirby, Susie Nash, and Joanna Cannon, eds. 'the appendix: Pigment Glossary', “Venice turpentine”, in Trade in Artists’ Materials: Markets and Commerce in Europe to 1700. (London: Archetype Publications, 2010).

 

Other names: 
Gummi Terebinthinae Venet, Venedisch Terpentin, Therebintine de Vernice
Historical names