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What's happening, everyone. This week we're talking about the color wheel, but not in the traditional sense. You know how I get down...hehe. So, the other day I was studying/researching for my next photography job, I'll be photographing coming up shortly, and I was flipping through some old art books and vintage news-type magazines (which, by the way, feature some amazing film photography—I suppose they put more emphasis on crafting great images back then, but we'll dive into that in a future discussion) and I came across this old color wheel from the 1800s by Goethe in one of the books. The author quoted some of Goethe's writings on Color and nature, and I was intrigued because it touched on many of the overarching themes we discuss here on the website. It was cool because I've never seen this before, and I wanted to share it with you all since the main narrative is similar to what we mention over here hundreds of years later.
So, who is this Goethe guy, and why does his view on Color still resonate with us today? Let's dive right in and find out!
Who Was Goethe? (1749–1832)
Goethe's vast intellectual landscape extended across poetry, philosophy, science, and art. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, his exploration of color theory began as a rebellion against the scientific norms of his time, notably Sir Isaac Newton's optics. For Goethe, Color was more than a scientific phenomenon; it was an emotional, aesthetic, and philosophical entity that connected humans to the world around them.
Why Was Goethe Interested in Color?
Rebelling Against Newton's Optics: Goethe's objections to Newton's prism experiments went beyond mere skepticism. He conducted his experiments, exploring Color beyond mathematical decomposition. Newton's optics seemed detached from human experience, and Goethe sought to bridge that gap.
Artistic Sensibility and Color Harmony: As a figure deeply ingrained in Romanticism, Goethe believed in the harmony of colors and their ability to evoke emotions. He viewed colors as symbols tied to human feelings and experiences.
Philosophical Inquiry into Nature's Secrets: Goethe's interest in Color was an extension of his philosophical quest to understand nature's underlying principles. He believed in the dynamic relationships between light and darkness, seeing Color as a manifestation of these polarities.
Goethe's Exploration of Color
Goethe's exploration of Color led to the creation of several color diagrams that sought to understand and express the interplay of Color, emotion, and human experience. One of his significant contributions was his symmetric color wheel from 1809, designed with associated symbolic qualities. This model, featuring six fundamental colors, emphasized both scientific and aesthetic aspects, symbolizing his holistic approach to Color.
In addition, Goethe also produced the "Rose of Temperaments," a color wheel that classified human characters into twelve different color associations. Though not necessarily his most famous work, it further exemplifies Goethe's philosophical approach to Color, connecting it with human emotions and character.
Real-World Trials and Field Studies: Goethe collected and studied over 17,000 specimens, including plants, minerals, and insects, analyzing colors in nature to build his comprehensive color theory. His meticulous observations reflected a profound connection between Color and the natural world.
Goethe's Experiments: He conducted various experiments using prisms and other optical devices to understand the interplay of light and Color. His approach was less mathematical and more empirical, focusing on the visual experience.
Goethe's Writings on Color
Goethe's poetic touch on Color transcends the boundaries of scientific exploration. He eloquently wrote, "Color is the pain of light," capturing the emotional resonance that Color held for him.
Another profound expression of his understanding of Color is found in his words:
"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul."
This metaphor brilliantly conveys the interconnectedness of Color, perception, and human emotion. He also said, "The colors are the deeds and the sufferings of the light," emphasizing the interaction of light and dark as fundamental aspects of Color. These poetic expressions illuminate Goethe's soulful approach to understanding Color, an approach that transcends mere scientific investigation, reaching into the realms of art and philosophy.
Goethe's Holistic View of Color
Perception as Essential: Goethe's theories emphasized human perception. Unlike Newton, he considered the psychological experience of Color as fundamental, asserting that Color required human observation to exist.
Color as a Phenomenon of Light and Darkness: Goethe's famous color wheel illustrates the relationships between colors stemming from the interplay between light and dark. He saw Color as arising from this tension, a viewpoint that still resonates today.
Real-World Exploration: Goethe's hands-on approach included collecting specimens and analyzing colors in various contexts. His meticulous observations laid the foundation for his Theory of Colors, reflecting his commitment to empirical evidence.
Relevance Today
In our data-driven age, Goethe's human-centered approach offers a refreshing perspective. His views challenge the reductionist tendencies in various fields, including art, design, psychology, and branding. His understanding of Color's emotional effects and the human role in perception reflects a contemporary desire for sincerity and human connection.
Goethe's exploration of Color was a bold divergence from the scientific norms of his era. His insights have endured, inspiring thinkers and artists alike. Goethe crafted a legacy that transcends disciplines by embracing the complexity of Color and its multifaceted connections with human experience. His color theory remains a tribute to our innate ability to perceive, feel, and engage with the world in a deeply personal way.
What makes Goethe's work on color stand out isn't necessarily about proving it right or wrong; it's about appreciating a poetic and philosophical perspective that allows us to engage with the world in a deeply personal way. By extending our understanding beyond the physical and mathematical, Goethe invites us to connect with color on an emotional and existential level, enriching both our creative endeavors and our daily lives.
❤️🔥🌊🌙
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