Frankfort Black is a hard black ink widely used for printing purposes. The word Frankfort is spelled as /ˈfræŋk.fɔːrt/ and refers to a type of ink from the city of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It is pronounced with a stress on the first syllable, followed by a long 'a' in the second syllable. The word Black is spelled as /blæk/ and is pronounced with a short 'a' sound followed by a hard 'k'. Together, Frankfort Black is pronounced /ˈfræŋk.fɔːrt blæk/ and refers specifically to the pigment type used in the ink.
Frankfort black refers to a type of black ink used in traditional printmaking and drawing. It is made by mixing soot or carbon black with a binder, such as gum arabic or shellac, and water. The name "Frankfort" is a reference to Frankfort, Germany, a city known for its long history in the production of high-quality inks.
The term Frankfort black is often used specifically to describe a deep, rich, and highly opaque black ink that is commonly used by artists and printmakers. Its intense color and opacity make it ideal for printing and creating stark, high-contrast images. It is particularly favored in intaglio printmaking techniques like etching and engraving, where fine lines and details are deeply etched into a metal plate and then inked, producing the final printed image.
The use of Frankfort black ink is not limited to printmaking, as many artists also utilize it in drawing applications. The high opacity and rich black color make it an excellent choice for drawing bold lines and achieving dramatic contrast in graphite or charcoal drawings.
Overall, Frankfort black is a versatile and highly pigmented ink that plays a significant role in traditional printmaking and drawing. Its strong color and opacity make it an essential tool for artists and printmakers seeking to create impactful and visually striking images.