emotional colour

The understanding and representation of colour was first graphed by Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727). J.Gage, In his experiment to determine the chromatic constituents of the spectrum he had enrolled the services of 'an Assistant', whose Eyes for distinguishing Colours were more critical than mine'. Colour and Culture, p.191. Here Gage quoted Newton was assisted in representing his discovery, an analysis of the colour spectrum.

This discovery was displayed in a painting by G. Battista Pittoni, in a piece called 'An Allegorical Monument to Sir Isaac Newton' (1727-30). This represents not only this, but also the time it occurred. It is framed by a representational image. What I mean by this is its environment. The location of this scene is classical, yet its imagery is opposing importance. It is not a church, but a collection of definitive human structure. The human scale that is involved in this scene has hierarchy but at the peak of this it is not of religion. It is a collection of thinkers and innovation.

Colour at the time was used as a representation of a religious hierarchy. What this image displays is a understanding that colour may not be defined by the gods. The origin of light creating a spectrum of colour in this case is not of religious birth. It is seen above these innovators among the structure created by man. From this it reflects into a natural projection of the colour spectrum.

The beam of light is at an angle and in shadow, around the corner from what looks to be illuminated from the heavens. This indicates it isnt provided directly from the gods. It is a natural occurance that the reflection has transformed in this way.

I felt this understanding is a frame of human development. An understanding of things that couldn't be explained, may not be the act of gods. This is relevant not only in terms of fine art but also science, society and a responsibility shown by humans that these 'unnatural' or 'otherworldly' feelings are under our control. It is a beginning of human scaled emotions and presents a life beyond the rule of god.



G. Battista Pittoni
An Allegorical Monument to Sir Isaac Newton, 1727-30