Bistre meaning

Bistre is a dark brown pigment obtained from the soot of burned wood or resin, often used in drawing and watercolors.


Bistre definitions

Word backwards ertsib
Part of speech Bistre can be a noun or an adjective.
Syllabic division bis-tre
Plural The plural form of the word "bistre" is bistres.
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (4) b,s,t,r

Known as a brownish-gray color, bistre has been used historically in various artistic and practical applications. This pigment is derived from the soot of burnt organic material, such as wood or bone, and has a long history dating back to ancient times.

Bistre was commonly used in the art world, especially in watercolor painting. Artists appreciated its warm, earthy tone and its ability to create depth and richness in their works. Its easy availability and affordable cost made it a popular choice for many painters.

Historical Significance

The use of bistre dates back to antiquity, with evidence of its presence in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. It was also commonly used during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, where it found its way into manuscripts, drawings, and paintings.

Modern Applications

While not as widely used today due to the availability of synthetic pigments, bistre still holds a place in certain artistic circles. Some artists prefer its natural origins and unique qualities, choosing to incorporate it into their contemporary works as a nod to tradition.

Additionally, bistre has found its way into other applications beyond art. It has been used in furniture staining, textile dyeing, and even as a colorant in cosmetics and food products. Its rich history and versatile nature continue to make it a valuable and intriguing pigment in various industries.


Bistre Examples

  1. The artist used bistre to create a beautiful sepia-toned painting.
  2. She added a touch of bistre to the edges of the paper to give it a vintage look.
  3. Bistre ink is commonly used in calligraphy for its rich, deep color.
  4. The old manuscript had faded to a lovely bistre hue over the years.
  5. The librarian carefully restored the document using bistre to match the original color.
  6. The antique furniture was polished with a bistre solution to bring out its natural beauty.
  7. The artist mixed bistre with water to create a wash for the background of the painting.
  8. The calligrapher's strokes were precise and elegant, thanks to the bistre ink.
  9. The historian studied the bistre markings on the map to decipher its age and origin.
  10. The poet's words flowed onto the page with the help of bistre ink and a steady hand.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 05/05/2024 - 15:08:23