Colour is fundamental to life and art: yet so diverse is it that it has hardly ever been studied in a comprehensive way. Is it above all a visual stimulus? A function of light, or a material substance to be moulded and arrayed? What does the language of colour tell us? Where does one colour begin and another end? John Gage considers every conceivable aspect of the subject in this analysis of colour in Western culture. He describes the first theories of colour, articulated by philosophers from Democritus to Aristotle, and ...
Read More
Colour is fundamental to life and art: yet so diverse is it that it has hardly ever been studied in a comprehensive way. Is it above all a visual stimulus? A function of light, or a material substance to be moulded and arrayed? What does the language of colour tell us? Where does one colour begin and another end? John Gage considers every conceivable aspect of the subject in this analysis of colour in Western culture. He describes the first theories of colour, articulated by philosophers from Democritus to Aristotle, and attempts to organize it or endow it with symbolic power. He unfolds its religious significance, as an incarnation of the Divine Light in the mosaics and stained glass of Byzantine and medieval Christianity, and its use in heraldry. He shows how the rainbow was made to give up its secrets and how Renaissance artists approached colour with the help of the alchemists. He explores the analysis of the spectrum undertaken by Newton and continued by artists such as Seurat, and the use of the artist's palette as an evolving scale of tones. He traces the influence of Goethe's colour theory and developments as diverse as Matisse's tones and paint manufacture; and considers theories and practices that tried to unite colour and music, or make colour into an abstract language of its own. Unfamiliar texts from all periods are featured, from the treatise that inspired Van Gogh to physicians' scales of hair and urine colours, and fresh light is thrown on the hidden meanings of many familiar masterpieces. The 20th century is often called the period when colour has finally come into its own. This is an attempt to examine what this claim means, and to suggest answers to many perennial questions about the role of colour.
Read Less
Add this copy of Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning From Antiquity to cart. $18.06, very good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1995 by Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture to cart. $54.72, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2024 by Thames & Hudson Ltd.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning From Antiquity to cart. $54.93, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Thames & Hudson.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture to cart. $58.14, new condition, Sold by Paperbackshop rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bensenville, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning From Antiquity to cart. $65.25, new condition, Sold by Kennys.ie rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Galway, IRELAND, published 2024 by Thames & Hudson Ltd.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning From Antiquity to cart. $149.75, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1993 by Thames & Hudson Ltd.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning From Antiquity to cart. $169.44, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Thames & Hudson.
Add this copy of Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning From Antiquity to cart. $175.99, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Thames & Hudson.
