A theory of form and color

Limited ed. of 500 signed and numbered copies. Unpaginated book [ca. 42 pp.], chiefly illustrated, with color plates and diagrams. Texts in English. Small folio. Very good. Black cloth stamped in gray. [1437]

A remarkable work with an introduction by Grete Ostwald and text by the artist, describing Hinterreiter's experiments in color and form deriving from Wilhelm Ostwald's color theory and the organic forms of Ernst Haeckel. Per a web article concerning a 2013 exhibition of Hinterreiter's paintings at the Fine Arts Gallery of Vanderbuilt University, "in 1929, at the age of 27, [Hans] Hinterreiter gave up his budding career in architecture to pursue painting. In his work he hoped to combine art and science, creating visual art using scientific and mathematic principles. The young artist found his muse in 1930 when he discovered the color theory of Wilhelm Ostwald, which in turn inspired Hinterreiter to develop his own theory of form. The results were complex networks of repeating colors and geometric shapes. The viewer may not grasp Hinterreiter's logic, even after repeated viewings, but in each work, the artist's complicated systems provide undeniable order and beauty." Scarce in the marketplace in such good condition, and rare among North American library holdings.