The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors and Their Applications to the Arts

by Michel Eugène Chevreul

This monumental masterwork by the renowned nineteenth century scientist and authority on color, M.E. Chevreul, is unquestionably one of the greatest books ever written on color; the first English translation is reprinted here with the original color restored and an introduction and explanatory notes by Faber Birren, the leading color authority of the present time. Chevreul's book dominated the schools of Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism, and exerted profound influence on later schools of painting including today's Op Art. Chevreul set forth principles that have become basic in color training throughout the Western world. In his illuminating commentary Mr. Birren shows how many of Chevreul's ideas on color harmony, contrast effects, optical mixtures, and legibility have been validated by modern scientific research in visual perception. mr. Birren also provides a helpful glossary of Chevreul's terminology. Lavishly illustrated, the volume contains many color plates, including 15 plates from the original French edition, photographs of Gobelins tapestries, and full-page reproductions of outstanding Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist paintings. Essential as a reference book for artist and art educators, this volume will also be a source of fresh inspiration for fashion designers, interior decorators, and all others concerned with color in any medium-and it makes good reading for all those interested in the history of men and ideas.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1855

About the author

Michel Eugène Chevreul (31 August 1786 – 9 April 1889) was a French chemist whose work with fatty acids led to early applications in the fields of art and science. He is credited with the discovery of margaric acid, creatine, and designing an early form of soap made from animal fats and salt. He lived to 102 and was a pioneer in the field of gerontology. He is also one of the 72 people whose names are inscribed on the Eiffel Tower; of those 72 scientists and engineers, Chevreul was one of only two who were still alive when Gustave Eiffel planted the French Tricolor on the top of the tower on 31 March 1889 (the other being Hippolyte Fizeau) and was the last living individual born before the French Revolution.

Reviews

[Shine Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful and fascinating book about the different phemomenae of colours in relation to each other and the applications these principles have on various forms of art and industry such as painting, print making, gardening, archtecture etc.
This book will offer immence insight and understanding of colours for everyone who reads it, a must read for every visual artist.
( If any of my goodreads friends would like to see my paintings, they can check them out at my fb page, - ' Artist Shine SJ, Kerala ' )

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exhaustive read. So much detail, so much minutia in endless lists of color harmonies, contrasts, and the like. Still, it was worth it to read Chevreul's ideas and theories about colors and how the interact with each other when viewed by the human eye. I can totally see how this book was a direct influence on Pointillism, Impressionism, and Neo-Impressionism.

I read the Faber Birren edition of this book, and I'd say his extra commentary and information added make this an invaluable book to read. Recommended for any artist, designer or quilter interested in learning more about Color Theory.