Classical-romantic color theory in Germany

Abstract

In the preceding pages the ‘conservatives’ have been repeatedly mentioned, men like Aguilonius, Vossius and Castel, many of whom were Jesuits who refused to part with antiquated traditions. The position of the German authors Runge, Goethe and Schopenhauer, who will be considered in this chapter, is very different. They are inspired by ideas which captivated early nineteenth century Germany: classicism and romanticism. They were new ideas, but from the scientific point of view they were reactionary. By referring back to Aristotle’s color system, Goethe and Schopenhauer brought color theory to a standstill.