'Theory of Colours' Summary

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 'Theory of Colours' stands as a unique and influential exploration of color perception. While generally accepted, Goethe found Newton's explanation of the color spectrum through prism experiments to be incomplete. He believed that the scientific approach failed to capture the full essence of color as it is experienced by the human eye. Goethe's work is characterized by his emphasis on observation and experiment. He meticulously documented his observations of color phenomena, emphasizing the interplay of light and dark, the contrasting effects of colors, and the influence of context on perception. His observations led him to develop a color wheel, a system that remains influential in artistic theory today. Though initially criticized for its perceived lack of scientific rigor, Goethe's 'Theory of Colours' is a compelling examination of the subjective and experiential nature of color.