Crimson crimson lake

DEFINITION

A deep red color, it is derived from the word 'kermes', which is an insect-based dye source "from which the obsolete pigment crimson lake was made." Crimson Lake is a ruby-red pigment with bluish undertones used by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks to achieve transparent ruby red and rose pink effects. It was supplanted by carmine, a stronger pigment. Source: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"