Caput Mortuum

Common among medieval painters, a violet-brown made from iron oxide residue

HEX#4E2C3A

RGBrgb(78, 44, 58)

HSLhsl(335, 28%, 24%)

HSVhsv(335, 44%, 31%)

CMYKcmyk(0%, 44%, 26%, 69%)

HEXA#4E2C3AFF

RGBArgba(78, 44, 58, 1)

HSLAhsla(335, 28%, 24%, 1)

OKLCHoklch(59.6%, 0.049, 350)

LCHlch(52.4%, 13, 328)

🎨 Color Palettes

Analogous2-3 adjacent hues (≤60°)

Triadic3 hues spaced 120° apart

Split ComplementaryMain color + colors adjacent to its complement

Complementary2 hues spaced 180° apart

Tetradic (Rectangle)4 hues forming a rectangle

MonochromaticSingle hue with varying saturation and lightness

♿ WCAG Contrast Colors

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Aa14px Body

High Contrast Text

#DABECARatio 7:1AAA

Suitable for body text, headings, and primary content, ensuring readability for all users

Aa14px Body

Standard Text

#C19490Ratio 4.5:1AA

Suitable for regular body content, meeting WCAG AA standards

Aa14px Body

Large Text / UI Components

#967B54Ratio 3:1AA Large

Suitable for large text (≥18px bold or ≥24px), icons, UI component boundaries

Aa14px Body

Decorative / Dividers

#506C3DRatio 2:1Fail

Suitable for decorative elements, dividers, non-essential text

📊 Color Scales

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Lightness VariationFixed hue and saturation, stepwise lightness adjustment ±30%

#211218

#2E1A22

#4E2C3A

#6F3E53

#90516B

#AB6984

Saturation VariationFixed hue and lightness, stepwise saturation adjustment ±30%

#43373C

#48323B

#4E2C3A

#542639

#5B2038

#611A37

Lightness + Saturation Mixed VariationSimultaneous lightness and saturation adjustment

#2C2125

#2E1F25

#4A2B38

#68364B

#893E5D

#AD436F

Hue Fine-TuningFixed saturation and lightness, stepwise hue fine-tuning ±15°

#4E2C43

#4E2C40

#4E2C3D

#4E2C3A

#4E2C37

#4E2C35

#4E2C32

💡 Use Cases

🖼️

Classical Painting Restoration

Used for inpainting during the restoration of classical oil paintings, Caput Mortuum can accurately match the original hue of dark areas in old paintings.

🧥

Autumn/Winter Coats

Wool coats in Caput Mortuum have a unique, understated color, a choice for artistic individuals seeking individuality.

🏺

Ceramic Glaze

Used in high-temperature reduction-fired ceramics, Caput Mortuum glaze produces unique kiln-change effects that are rustic and mysterious.

📖

Literary Book Covers

Used for the cover design of Gothic novels or literary classics, this color quickly conveys a weighty, profound literary atmosphere.

📜 Origin & History

Caput Mortuum, named after the Latin term for 'dead head', got its name because its color resembles dried blood. It originated as a residue from iron oxide production and was used by painters since the Middle Ages as an inexpensive dark color.

In the late Middle Ages, this color was widely used in altarpieces and religious murals to depict the bloodstains of the crucified Christ and the dark robes of saints, carrying strong religious symbolic meaning.

During the Dutch Golden Age, painters like Vermeer used this color for shadows and backgrounds in interior scenes. Its neutral violet-brown character could subtly harmonize cool and warm colors, creating a unified light and shadow atmosphere.

In the 19th century, with the spread of chemically synthesized pigments, Caput Mortuum was gradually replaced. However, its unique hue remains favored by some traditional painters, standing as a representative color of classical painting techniques.

🧠 Color Psychology

MysteriousThe color name, associated with death and alchemy, gives this hue a dark, unspeakable mystery.

DeepThe combination of violet and brown gives it complex hue variations within its darkness, possessing an unfathomable visual depth.

MelancholyClose to the color of dried blood, it carries a low-key, slightly tragic emotional undertone.

WarmthDespite the 'death' in its name, the warm base of violet and brown keeps it from feeling cold, retaining an introverted warmth.

SolemnAssociated with religious painting, this color carries a serious, formal psychological suggestion, suitable for expressing respect and reverence.

ClassicalLinked to the painting techniques of the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, using this color pays homage to the classical painting tradition.

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