L’harmonie des couleurs Pl.012
1880
At first glance, this looks like a psychedelic topographic map of chocolate and moss-green hills bordered by rivers of gold, but it is actually a sophisticated 1880 design guide. Titled 'L'Harmonie des Couleurs' by architect-décorateur E. Guichard, this plate from the Parisian magazine Le Moniteur de la Mode instructs homeowners on the perfect color palette for their interiors. The wavy bands, labeled A through I, represent sections of wall drapery or heavy curtains, showing exactly how to layer deep browns, greens, and gold trim. The fine print at the bottom reveals a fascinating detail: these same principles of color harmony were meant to be applied to women's clothing, ensuring a lady's dress matched her drawing room perfectly.
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