The above photo was taken in direct sunlight. Ink is swatched on Clairefontaine 90gsm paper, using a glass dip pen.
Specs
Name: Alexander Hamilton
Maker: De Atramentis
Color Family: Purple
Properties: Shading (low), Sheening (low)
Purchased at: Goulet Pens
What’s in a name?
De Atramentis says nothing about why this ink was so named, but I’ve read that this ink was originally named for its hue (Aubergine) and then re-branded with our sexy founding father, after the popularity of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical revitalized interest in American history. I don’t know if that’s true, either. I really wish there was some cool reason behind why this specific color for this specific historical figure, but alas, no dice.
Swatches
A large swatch of ink showcases the darkest this ink gets, as well as the maximum properties it has (when held at the right angle to show any shimmer or sheen). But what about when you’re writing a letter or notes with it?
The above was written on Clairefontaine 90gsm paper, using a Benu Briolette fountain pen with a Medium nib.
Of course, for maximum effect you want to see it in light and in motion. The following video shows the ink swatched on Skylab Letterpress 160gsm cards.
Thoughts
The aubergine purple writes as if it’s a lubricated ink- I’m not sure if it was formulated with that in mind, but it’s lovely to write with, very smooth and consistent. The shading isn’t dramatic, but you can see it, as the darker hue of concentrated ink in some letters has a bit more of a grey base. Some ink reviewers have said that it sheens brass when pooled, and I see hints of that in the Col-O-Ring swatch, but it doesn’t sheen in writing at all. That actually makes it a great option for professional documents that aren’t boring ol’ black or med-toned blue.
Mostly, I bought this ink sample because…
*All pics and vid were taken using a Google Pixel 4a and color-adjusted to best reflect the hue of that ink.
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