In 1692 known as “A. Boogert” wrote a book in Dutch about mixing watercolors and analysing the use of color in painting, as well as explaining the way to create certain hues and tones by adding parts of water. It might sound simple enough but once you get your hands on these 800 completely handwritten and handpainted pages, you will find it quite unfathomable. According to Medieval book historian Erik Kwakkel, Traité des couleurs servant à la peinture à l’eau, is the most comprehensive educational guide to paint and color of its time, since the Pantone Color Guide, was only published in 1963.
You can see the entire book in high resolution here, with more info here, or visit the Bibliothèque Méjanes in Aix-en-Provence, France.
