Only someone with an astonishing love of colour will go about creating a massive 800-page manual on how to mix watercolours. That’s exactly what a Dutch artist only known by the name “A. Boogert” did in 1692. The manual which was never published provides readers with an unusual glimpse into the world of 17th century painters and illustrators.
In it, A. Boogert carefully details step by step instructions on how to create as many different hues and tones of colours as are imaginable. The entire book is entirely written and painted by hand and is probably deemed to be the most comprehensive guide to paint and colour ever.
Long before the renowned, more recent Pantone Colour Guide which was only first published in 1963, this Dutch artist had such an enviable grasp of colour. Thought to have been used as an educational guide in its time, he painstakingly documented his process, creating an awesome index of colours.
This delightful masterpiece is currently housed at the Bibliothèque Méjanes in Aix-en-Provence, France but is available for online viewing here.
