On the Law of Simultaneous Contrast of Colors : And Its Timeless Applications in All the Visual Arts

Science and art came together in M.E. Chevreuls 1839 color theory classic. Its most noted as the foundation of Impressionist and subsequent painting, but its philosophies are valid for all the visual arts. So it offers sections not just on how to use color in painting, but in tapestries, carpets, furniture, mosaics, churches, museums, apartments, formal gardens, theaters, maps, typography, framing, stained glass, women's clothing, and even military uniforms. Chevreul, although arguably the greatest French scientist of his time, was a poor writer. A very unsatisfactory English translation from 1854 was the only one available in printuntil now. Dan Margulis presents a version fully updated for our century. Its not just a new translation, rewritten for clarity where needed, but a true co-authorship between the leading authorities of their times. Margulis annotates and comments on Chevreuls chapters and adds six of his own, concentrating on how Chevreuls theories impact photography, web design, and the rest of todays technologies. The limitations of his time prevented Chevreul from including the color graphics he desperately wanted. Margulis has provided them in abundance. Many are from his own field, color correction of photographs, but just as many are paintings by Monet, Picasso, van Gogh, Seurat, and other Chevreul disciples, often with multiple hypothetical versions. Renoir, say, chose a certain color for a certain object. Margulis doesnt just discuss the consequences of a different choicehe produces an alternate Renoir, and invites us to state a preference. No computer knowledge is needed to appreciate this relentlessly practical book. If you love color it will leave an indelible mark on you. Look at a painting youve seen scores of times before, and youll realize you never appreciated it properly. Your view of nature, the way you dress, and perhaps even the way you prepare food will change.