Picture color as the universe’s way of whispering secrets through wavelengths. In the realm of physics, color is all about measuring the specific wavelength of light that an object bounces back toward our eyes. For us humans, though, color is much more than just a scientific measurement; it’s a vibrant part of life’s palette that brings meaning and depth to the world. Also for me, color is more of an art form—an essential palette of life that conveys stories and emotions.
Take birds, for instance—many of them flaunt vivid colors that hint at their gender. Or consider tree rings; their hues can provide clues about a tree’s health. Even humans have their quirks when it comes to color: a pale face might indicate low blood pressure or that someone’s feeling under the weather.
When it comes to naming colors, we humans can be a bit picky. Call a bear’s hue taupe, but those same-colored pants? Brown, of course. And while a Ferrari is undeniably red, the sky at sunset flaunts its own unique kind of red. This human fascination with color naming has been around for as long as we’ve been able to see it, which is probably why Werner set out to standardize it all in his famous book, Nomenclature of Colours. He aimed to create a universal language by categorizing colors based on everyday objects, with examples drawn from the animal, mineral, and vegetable kingdoms. Even now, Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours stands as a fundamental guide for anyone intrigued by the art and history of color.
Today, if you lean toward the artistic or just find yourself giddy about geeky stuff, Werner’s work is a must-see. It’s still a color aficionado’s bible. Nicholas Rougeux did a stellar job bringing Werner’s color classifications into the digital age. With a stunning webpage dedicated to this classic book, you can dive into the detailed narrative behind each color and gaze at vibrant examples from nature itself.
Feeling inspired? You can even snag a poster for your wall. Whether you’re dabbling in art or just love a good splash of history, Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours is the ultimate resource worth your time.
You may also enjoy reading these:
• Theory of Colours by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• Mushroom Color Atlas: A Celebration of Nature’s Palette
• Turning Coloured Pencil into a Beautiful Vase
