Archive · 22 Sep 2025
The Vanishing of 'Indian Red' from the Color Palette
Imagine a deep red color from the red soil of India, called 'Indian Red'.
It was used by artists like Rembrandt and Michelangelo!
This color was made from iron-rich soil.
It was a favorite in art and even used on trains.
In 1999, a crayon company changed its name from 'Indian Red' to 'Chestnut', and now people barely use this color anymore.
Even though it's not called 'Indian Red' anymore, the color itself is still seen in art and monuments.
The color 'Indian Red' comes from iron-rich soil in India.
It was used by artists for centuries.
Francis Buchanan-Hamilton identified the color in the 1800s.
It was a staple for artists across the world.
Crayola renamed 'Indian Red' to 'Chestnut' in 1999.
- Who
- Francis Buchanan-Hamilton identified the color, artists used it widely, and Crayola replaced it.
- What
- The color 'Indian Red', a pigment from Indian soil, disappeared from use.
- When
- Identified in the 1800s, used for years, renamed in 1999.
- Where
- Originates from red soil in India, used globally by artists.
- Why
- The name was changed to Chestnut.
- Origin
- Red laterite soil in India
- Composition
- Rich in iron oxide
- First identified
- 1800s by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton
- Usage
- Used by artists for shading and underpainting
- Replaced by
- Crayola's "Chestnut" in 1999