Emily Noyes Vanderpoel 'Color Problems'

'Color Problems', originally published in 1902 by American artist, writer, and color theorist Emily Noyes Vanderpoel, is a fascinating, ahead-of-its-time exploration of color harmony, perception, and composition. Far more than a mere instructional guide, the book functions as a visionary treatise, combining scientific curiosity with artistic intuition. Vanderpoel uses intricate charts—painstakingly hand-painted grids of color—to analyze objects ranging from Persian rugs to Japanese porcelain and natural elements like flowers or minerals.

Drawing connections between color relationships and emotional resonance, 'Color Problems' presents a uniquely interdisciplinary approach, merging art history, design, and psychological inquiry. Vanderpoel’s pioneering methodology anticipated developments in color theory by decades, making the book not only a remarkable historical artifact but also a continuing source of inspiration for contemporary artists, designers, and scholars. Reissued in the 21st century by The Circadian Press and Sacred Bones, it has since gained cult status in both the art and publishing worlds for its visual richness and enduring insights.