18th Century color theory

In the 18th century, color theory evolved as artists and thinkers sought to understand how colors interact. They studied primary colors—red, yellow, and blue—as fundamental hues from which other colors could be mixed. The idea was that mixing these primaries produced secondary and tertiary colors, creating harmonious palettes. The period also emphasized the importance of color contrast and harmony for realistic and aesthetically pleasing artworks. While lacking modern scientific tools, 18th-century theorists laid the groundwork for understanding color relationships, influencing later developments in art, design, and visual perception.