A brownish pigment made from soot, traditionally used in drawing and painting to create dark tones.
From French bistre, of uncertain origin; possibly from Old French bestre or related to combustion. The word entered English in the 18th century when the pigment became popular among European artists.
Old master artists like Rembrandt used bistre ink made from chimney soot—literally painting with the byproducts of fire. Because soot contains carbon, bistre drawings can last for centuries, which is why many Renaissance sketches are still vibrant today.
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