It contains some of the earliest published descriptions of phenomena such as coloured shadows, refraction, and chromatic aberration. Goethes theory of colours, part 2 colours produced by the active eye duration. Goethes subjective theory of colors permits him to speak most persuasively of color harmony and aesthetics. By the time goethes theory of colours appeared in 1810, the wa. The book does not have to be studied to be appreciated. Whether you agree with his findings or thoughts in part or full, much of what he observed is still relevant. Goethes theory of colours, first published in english in 1840, was the work with which the great german poet felt he achieved true greatness. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. It contains pages missing in this version and is well formatted. As a fascinating booktryst post informs us, goethes book on color, zur farbenlehre theory of colors, written in 1810, disputed the newtonian view of the subject and formulated a psychological and philosophical account of the way we actually experience color as a phenomenon. Theory of colours farbenlehre stressed the unity of nature.
Translated by charles lock eastlake in 1910 written by goethe. Far from pretending to a knowledge of physics, he insisted that such knowledge was an actual hindrance to understanding. Although generally known as the author of faust and other literary works, goethes scientific writings and worldview has persistent relevance, despite or rather because of his contradictory stance relative to the established newtonian view of color. Published in 1810, it contains detailed descriptions of phenomena such as coloured shadows, refraction, and chromatic aberration the work originated in goethes occupation with painting and mainly exerted an. Goethes theory of colours 1st edition johann wolfgang. Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. First and only complete digital text of eastlakes translation of goethes theory of colors, with footnotes and color plates. There is no experimentum crucis for goethes theory of colour. Nevertheless, goethe believed that the theory derived from a fundamental error, in which an incidental result was mistaken for a elemental principle.
As a fascinating booktryst post informs us, goethes book on color, zur. Youll take away more than just information regarding colour theory, but will be left pondering many aspects of the human mind. Goethe on the psychology of color and emotion brain pickings. In his account, goethe describes how he came by his views.
The wavelength theory of light and color had been firmly established by the time the great german poet published his theory of colours in 1810. By the time goethes theory of colours appeared in 1810, the wavelength theory of light and color had. Interview with the devil the secret to freedom and success. Artistic consciousness and rudolf steiners theory of. Colours it contains pages missing in this version and is well formatted. Audiobook version of the original 1840 translation of zur farbenlehre aug. Although generally known as the author of faust and other literary works, goethes scientific writings and worldview has persistent relevance, despite or rather because of his contradictory stance. To goethe, the theory was the result of mistaking an incidental result for an elemental principle. Theory of colours psychology wiki fandom powered by wikia.
Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read theory of colours. This book can lead the reader through a demonstration course not only in subjectively produced colours. Using the publicly available online version of the 1840 english translation from project gutenberg, every mention of color was highlighted and catalogued resulting in a list of 1,851 mentions of color using 191. One of the earliest formal explorations of color theory came from an unlikely source the german poet, artist, and politician johann wolfgang. The book contains detailed descriptions of phenomena such as coloured shadows, refraction, and chromatic aberration. By the time goethes theory of colours appeared in 1810, the wavelength theory of light and color had been firmly established. Throughout nature, as presented to the senses, everything depends on the relation which things. It was published in german in 1810 and in english in 1840. This book is an interesting read as it is a written account of goethes observations and experiments. First published in german in 1810, this detailed volume was translated from the german by charles lock eastlake and, in six parts, examines every aspect of goethes theory of colours, including psychological colours, chemical colours, the moral effect of colour, minerals, plants, insects, mammals and a multitude of further subjects. In a book about the psychology of colors, which colors are mentioned and when. The project gutenberg ebook of goethes theory of colours. Goethes 1810 work was rejected by many contemporary scientists because it appeared to contradict the physical laws laid. This book can lead the reader through a demonstration course not only in subjectively produced colours after images, light and dark adaptation, irradiation, coloured shadows, and pressure.
Theory of colours simple english wikipedia, the free. Others may regard them as pure fantasy, but savor the grace and style of their exposition. Goethes theory of colours classics to go and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Theory of colours project gutenberg selfpublishing. First and only open source version of theory of colors in english. It contains some of the earliest and most accurate descriptions of coloured shadows, refraction, dioptrical colours, and achromatism hyperchromatism. No other person had undertaken such an indepth investigation, and yet he was roundly ridiculed and rejected.
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