or pine tree. Common name for diverse plants of the pine family (Pinaceae). By cutting incisions on the bark, one finds a resin from which various substances are obtained and used in pictorial techniques (see colophony and turpentine). In the past, the fir was also often used as a wood support for paintings, particularly by the Germans and Flemish. Among the diverse species, the Norway spruce (Picea abies excelsa) is particulary appreciated, as is the Silver fir (Abies alba). Fir-trees were also used by the English schools, even though it was difficult to find in the region.