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Theory of Colours

by Johann Wolfgang von GOETHE (1749 - 1832)

Section LII - Worms, Insects, Fishes; Section LIII - Birds

Newton's observations on the optical spectrum were widely accepted but Goethe noticed the difference between the scientific explanation and the phenomena as experienced by the human eye. He did not try to explain this, but rather collected and presented data, conducting experiments on the interplay of light and dark. His work was rejected as 'unscientific' by physicists but his color wheel is still used by artists today. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

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Listen next episodes of Theory of Colours:
Aesthetic Influence; Chiaro-Scuro; Tendency to Colour; Keeping; Colour in General Nature; Characteristic Colouring , Allegorical, Symbolic, Mystical Application of Color; Concluding Observations , Completeness and Harmony; Yellow and Blue; Yellow and Red; Blue and Red; Yellow-Red and Blue-Red; Combinations Non-Characteristic; Relations of the Combinations to Light and Dark; Considerations Derived from the Evidence of Experience and History , Harmonious Colouring; Genuine Tone; False Tone; Weak Colouring; The Motley; Dread of Theory; Ultimate Aim; Grounds; Pigments , Part IV - General Characteristics , Part V - Relation to Other Pursuits , Part VI - Effect of Colour With Reference to Moral Associations; Yellow; Red-Yellow; Yellow-Red; Blue; Red-Blue; Red; Green , Section LIV - Mammalia and Human Beings , Section LV - Physical and Chemical Effects of the Transmission of Light Through Coloured Mediums; Section LVI - Chemical Effect in Dioptrical Achromatism;