Caput Mortuum, also known as cardinal purple, means "dead head" in Latin, and has been used by artists and craftsmen for centuries.
Cardinal Purple Pigment is made from a rare variety of hematite iron oxide, which gives it a rich and deep hue that is perfect for oil paints and paper dyes. It was particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries for painting the robes of religious figures and art patrons due to its cultural significance and regal color.
Legend has it that the name Caput Mortuum originated from alchemy, where iron oxide was considered the useless residue or "dead head" of oxidization. This unique pigment was originally a byproduct of sulfuric acid manufacture in the 17th and 18th centuries and was later used in the manufacturing process of Venetian red and copperas red.
Please read the Safety Data Sheet before use.