L’harmonie des couleurs Pl.043
1880
Published in 1880 by architect-decorator Édouard Guichard, this plate is a fascinating slice of 19th-century design theory titled 'Harmony of Contrast of Shades.' It features a bold, symmetrical arrangement of deep forest greens and olive tones flanking a central strip of dusty mauve, demonstrating how opposing colors can balance each other. Guichard created this specifically as a guide for assembling fabrics and interiors, essentially serving as a Victorian-era mood board for perfect color coordination. It’s a beautiful reminder that before digital color pickers, designers relied on precise, printed charts to master the art of contrast.
- Technique
- Chromolithograph