Color theory according to Goethe

The theory of color according to Goethe proposed an approach that was as criticized as it was revulsive for the world of science and philosophy. For him, darkness was not the absence of light. For the famous poet, novelist and naturalist philosopher, color itself also has a slight degree of darkness and is present in anything we see.

A century after the publication of Opticks, Isaac Newton’s ideas on color were refuted by Goethe. Obviously, his contributions did not change the general acceptance of the principles enunciated by the English physicist and mathematician. However, he did achieve something. His color theory confronted the contributions of Newtonian optics with one goal, that of criticizing the prevailing scientific reductionism.

In addition, Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe was the first to explore the psychological impact of different colors on mood. A path that has later constituted an entire field of knowledge. We delve into it.

What does color theory according to Goethe consist of?

Goethe published his book Color theory (Zur Farbenlehre) in 1808, the same year that Splendor. Now, it should be noted that it was not a physical-theoretical work that completely overturned the principles that Isaac Newton demonstrated in his day. It was, above all, a treatise on the philosophy of nature and also on the psychology of colors.

According to him, people experience the world through primitive reactions that we are not always aware of. Color is an entity with its own language that has the power to modify our perception and also our mood. Thus, and although these ideas were rejected by a large part of the scientific community, they did awaken the interest of such relevant figures as Arthur Schopenhauer or Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Let’s understand a little better the keys to color theory according to Goethe.

There is color in the darkness: Goethe vs Newton

In 1704, Isaac Newton published his now famous work Opticksin which he assumed a series of basic principles:

A century after Opticks, a poet and naturalist philosopher raised a series of objections to this idea. While Newton saw white light composed of different colors, Goethe distinguished colors as a result of the interaction between light and darkness. So, in his book Theory of color explains that color itself is a degree of darkness.

This statement, crazy for some and inspiring for others, revolutionized the world of metaphysics and also art. Suddenly, and thanks to Goethe, the darkness transformed into something vibrant. That tone, according to him, is always present in our lives, in our reality. The fact that colors existed regardless of whether there was light or no light was a revolutionary idea.

Color psychology according to Goethe

Goethe’s color theory explored for the first time how the different “light-dark” spectrums affect us.. His contributions were largely based on his intuition as a poet; however, curiously, those ideas ended up being supported by science decades later.

We analyze them.

The color yellow, purity

For Johan Wolfang Von Goethe, the color yellow was the color that was closest to light. It is a tone that imprints vitality and nobility, gives us a feeling of purity and reminds us of nature itself. However, when yellow is mixed with other shades, such as green, we find it unpleasant.

The blue, the melancholy

In Goethe’s color theory, The color blue attracts us, inoculating at the same time a certain feeling of melancholy.. This happens because this tone is in contact with darkness.

Despite this, it gives us a feeling of power and stimulates us at the same time. It is perhaps the most attractive color because it prints curious contradictions: energy and calm, sadness and harmony…

Red, grace and attractiveness

Red is the most challenging color in nature. Conveys attraction, grace and distinction. However, if we are exposed to it for too long, a feeling of gravity and saturation overwhelms us, which is why it is always better for it to appear punctually.

Green: our favorite

In Goethe’s color theory, green is the color preferred by the human eye.. We feel grateful when we are surrounded by her presence because it soothes and balances. Therefore, it is the most suitable shade to decorate, for example, the walls of our house. The mind rests in its presence and invites us to reflect on the nicest aspects of life.

Violet, the color of mysticism

For Goethe, the color violet symbolized the same thing it represents for us more than 200 years later.. Today, this tone is also for big brands and neuro experts.marketing a way of evoking maturity, mysticism, melancholy and magic. An undoubtedly striking fact that we do not fail to recognize to the author of The Sorrows of Young Werther either Splendor.

To conclude, his color theory remains one of the most interesting and prescient works on color psychology. Today it still has its small corner of relevance.

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