The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors

M.E. Chevreul

ISBN 10: 0887400906 / ISBN 13: 9780887400902

Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd, US, 1997

About this Item

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.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780887400902

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, US
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0887400906
• ISBN 13: 9780887400902
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 23.5W x 3.18H x 31.12D centimeters 23.5 centimeters width by 3.18 centimeters height by 31.12 centimeters depth
• Weight: 1633 grams

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Faber Birren is today's foremost authority on color. He has written hundreds of articles on color, and more than 20 books, among them, Creative Color and Color Perception in Art (Schiffer 1986, 1987).