Facsimile book of the original (226 pages)
In 1890, Charles Lacouture published one of the masterpieces in the history of the use of color.
“Repertoire chromatique: solution raisonnée et pratique des problèmes les plus usuels dans l'étude et l'emploi des couleurs: vingt-neuf tableaux en chromos, représentant 952 différentes teintes & définies groupées en plus de 600 gammes typiques”
* Charles Lacouture developed a unique system using the three primary colors (red, blue and yellow). The “Trilobe synoptique” or three-ear construction he created is a method of altering color tones by varying the thickness of the lines, without changing the actual inks used.
This approach suggests an innovative way of creating a range of colors within a specific color space, possibly using stroke techniques to achieve different color perceptions rather than relying solely on mixing different ink colors. It is interesting to note that he focused on generating color fields using these basic colors as a base.
The book includes 29 charts presented in chromos (chromolithographs) representing 952 different and defined color tones. These shades are grouped into more than 600 typical color ranges. “Répertoire Chromatique” offers a structured approach to color theory, providing readers with a visual representation of a wide range of colors and their relationships. This type of resource is immensely valuable for artists, designers and anyone working with colors in a creative or practical context.
A reasoned and practical solution to the most common problems in the study and use of colors.
Charles Lacouture (1832 – 1908) was professor at the ”Institut Saint-Clément” in Metz. This rare study is dedicated to the great 19th c. French color theoretician Chevreul. Lacouture proposes here, with the use of the three primary colors, a practical method to implement Chevreul's color theories in art and color printing.
*”Chromatic repertory: reasoned, practical solutions to the most common problems in the study and use of colors: twenty-nine chromo charts, representing 952 different & defined shades grouped into over 600 typical ranges.”
