Vandyke brown

American  

noun

1. a medium brown color.

2. any of several dark-brown pigments consisting of iron oxide mixed with lampblack or similar materials.

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Vandyke brown British  

noun

1. 1. a moderate brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a Vandyke-brown suit

2. any of various brown pigments, usually consisting of a mixture of ferric oxide and lampblack

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Etymology

Origin of Vandyke brown

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

But not a word did he utter, for Helen touched her forehead significantly, and said in a low tone,— "I am an artist; let me recommend Vandyke brown, which is not affected by heat."

From Kitty's Class Day and Other Stories by Alcott, Louisa May

At present it hung motionless over the dripping-pan, and the goose wore a suit of motley, exhibiting a rich Vandyke brown to the fire, an unhealthy yellow to the window.

From I Saw Three Ships and Other Winter Tales by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

We were going to have roast pork for dinner with boiled potatoes and what Andrew calls Vandyke brown gravy.

From Parnassus on Wheels by Morley, Christopher

If I were Chancellor of the Exchequer I would lay a tax of twenty shillings a cake on all colours except black, Prussian blue, Vandyke brown, and Chinese white, which I would leave for students.

From The Crown of Wild Olive also Munera Pulveris; Pre-Raphaelitism; Aratra Pentelici; The Ethics of the Dust; Fiction, Fair and Foul; The Elements of Drawing by Ruskin, John

The first may be regarded as a superior Vandyke brown, the second as a superior umber.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Salter, Thomas