Check It Out: Color Theory: Chevreul & Albers

February 21, 2024

Examples of Alber's sample studies from Interaction of Color

The Clarence Ward Art library has a large color theory collection containing many important primary works, including two of the best known texts in this field: M.E. Chevreul’s The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colours and Josef Albers’ Interaction of Color.
A professional chemist and director of dyeing at the royal Gobelin tapestry factory, Chevreul encountered problems matching woven colored yarn. Through careful analysis he determined the problems were not related to the quality of the yarn, the chemical composition of the dyes, or the dyeing process, but by the difference in perception of color when it was isolated versus when it was being woven. Chevreul developed his law of “Simultaneous Contrast” based on careful observation of the effects of juxtaposing colors: two colors placed side by side will appear to change in hue, tonal value, and saturation; their dissimilar qualities will be intensified and similar qualities muted.
Chevreul’s findings were revolutionary for the field of art, textiles, gardening, etc. They are also the entire basis for Josef Albers’ Interaction of Color, which contains visual examples based on the principles detailed by Chevreul. In the book’s introduction, Albers says, "The book Interaction of Color presents, besides an explanatory text, 81 folders with more than 200 sample studies showing a new way of teaching color, of studying color."

Where Can I Check These Out?

• The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colours can be requested from Storage through OBIS.
• The 1963 edition of Interaction of Color, which includes Alber's sample studies, can be viewed in the Clarence Ward Art Library upon request. Please contact Art Library staff at 440-775-8635 for more information.