Chevreul on the Laws of Contrast of Colour: And Their Application to the Arts

Discover Michel Eugéne Chevreul’s groundbreaking theories on colour as he explores the principles of contrasting and harmonising colours in this classic text on colour theory.

First published in 1839 as De la Loi du Contraste Simultané Des Couleurs Atlas, Chevreul’s work followed that of Isaac Newton and Johann Goethe. His comprehensive colour guide introduces the concept of simultaneous contrast, explaining how the perception of one colour is affected by those adjacent to it. His advances in colour science were foundational to modern colour theory, influencing artists, designers, and scientists alike.

This new edition from Read & Co. Books features the 1861 translation of the original French by John Spanton, accompanied by rich colour plates and a biography of the author. A classic text in the history of colour theory, this volume is perfect for those studying the subject or with an interest in colour application and its history.