The Book of Colour Concepts
A comprehensive exploration of color theory through history
Alexandra Loske author Sarah Lowengard author Alexandra Loske editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taschen GmbH
Published:12th Mar '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This comprehensive edition explores color theory from its historical roots to contemporary interpretations, featuring The Book of Colour Concepts as a key resource.
From the 17th century to the digital age, color theories have been depicted through vibrant wheels, intricate charts, and detailed diagrams. This edition compiles over 65 works from around the globe, featuring more than 1,000 images that trace the evolution of color concepts that have intrigued figures like Newton, Goethe, and the Bauhaus movement. The richness of this subject is evident in the diverse contributions that span centuries and cultures.
The earliest expressions of human creativity, seen in carvings and cave paintings, highlight our longstanding relationship with color. This edition explores humanity's quest to impose structure and meaning on this universal yet elusive phenomenon, a fascination that binds the various works together. The Book of Colour Concepts takes readers on a visual journey through four centuries, showcasing an array of color wheels, charts, and diagrams, many newly photographed for this publication.
In addition to seminal texts like Newton's Opticks and Goethe's Zur Farbenlehre, the collection includes lesser-known contributions from figures such as Charles Webster Leadbeater and Annie Besant, as well as innovative works by women like Mary Gartside and Hilma af Klint. Contextualized with essays from editor Alexandra Loske and co-author Sarah Lowengard, this expansive edition illuminates the rich history of color in all its forms, providing a comprehensive overview of color theory and its evolution.
"There are only two options for a painter seeking the perfect shade: either he uses a color chart, or he buys this book." * Les Arts dessinés *
"What a sensual and artistic message color tones have, is the subject of a weighty double volume from TASCHEN. The Book of Colour Concepts brings together rare books and manuscripts from archives around the world. Readers are taken on a chromatic journey through four centuries. The six-kilo edition also shines a spotlight on many often overlooked works by women." * Süddeutsche Zeitung *
“The Book of Colour Concepts by TASCHEN takes you into such a stimulating color thrill that all you want to do is see, feel or hear color.” * Neue Zürcher Zeitung *
"Rarely can complex ideas be illustrated so enchantingly: TASCHEN has selected illustrations from all over the world. Colors in themselves, colors and music, color and emotions – all presented with utmost care." * AD *
“This beautiful book is a joyous experience, whether you’re simply leafing through or getting stuck in.” * Homes & Antiques *
“Alexandra Loske lays context to our long dance with visual stimuli and why we find the colours beneath so enticing.” * It’s Nice That *
“This monumental book takes stock of the history and phenomenology behind the nuances that compose a rainbow.” * Il Venerdì di Repubblica *
“A chromatic exploration across four centuries, with insights on the key works that contributed to the development of color theory.” * Luxus Magazine *
“This two-volume set by Alexandra Loske and Sarah Lowengard is not just elegant, and massive, and intelligent, it is the final word on color as an essential life force.” * Print *
“People experience a great delight in colour. The eye requires it as much as it requires light.” * Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Theory of Colours *
ISBN: 9783836595650
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 6150g
846 pages
Multilingual edition