Puce Color Variations and Technical Specifications
Puce is a complex color that varies significantly depending on the color system or historical reference used. While often associated with reddish or brownish tones, its precise definition shifts across different professional standards, ranging from a deep brown to a moderate red.
Key Facts
- Puce (Pourpre.com) is considered the original puce from which other tones derive.
- The ISCC-NBS version is classified as a dark red with a slightly purplish hue.
- Pantone TPX defines puce as a dark grayish reddish brown.
- Maerz and Paul describe the color as a moderate red.
Understanding Puce Across Different Standards
Because color is subjective and depends on the medium, several authoritative sources provide different coordinates for puce. These coordinates include the Hex triplet (a six-digit code used in HTML/CSS), sRGB (standard Red, Green, Blue values), and HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value).
The Original Puce: Pourpre Color List
According to the Pourpre.com color list, which is widely popular in France, puce is a deep brown. This version is regarded as the original puce, serving as the foundation for all subsequent variations of the tone.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The ISCC-NBS Standard
The ISCC-NBS (Inter-Society Color Council-National Bureau of Standards) Dictionary of Color Names from 1955 defines puce as a dark red. With a hue code of 353, it is technically a slightly purplish red.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Maerz and Paul Definition
In the 1930 publication A Dictionary of Color by Maerz and Paul, puce is categorized as a moderate red. This specific sample is found on page 37, Plate 7, Color Sample H4.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Pantone TPX Specification
The Pantone Textile Paper eXtended (TPX) system identifies puce as color #19-1518 TPX. In this system, the color is described as a dark grayish reddish brown.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Technical Comparison Table
| Source | Hex Triplet | sRGB (R, G, B) | ISCC-NBS Descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pourpre.com | #4E1609 | (78, 22, 9) | Deep brown |
| ISCC-NBS | #722F37 | (114, 47, 55) | Dark red |
| Maerz and Paul | #A95C68 | (169, 92, 104) | Moderate red |
| Pantone TPX | #4F3A3C | (79, 58, 60) | Dark grayish reddish brown |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the original version of puce?
The version of puce found in the Pourpre.com color list is considered the original puce, from which all other variations are derived.
How does the ISCC-NBS puce differ from the Pantone puce?
The ISCC-NBS puce is a dark red with purplish undertones (#722F37), whereas the Pantone TPX puce is a dark grayish reddish brown (#4F3A3C).
What is the sRGB value for Maerz and Paul's puce?
The sRGB values for the puce defined by Maerz and Paul are (169, 92, 104).
Is puce considered a red or a brown color?
Depending on the standard, it can be either. It is described as deep brown (Pourpre.com), dark red (ISCC-NBS), moderate red (Maerz and Paul), or dark grayish reddish brown (Pantone).