GoKawiilRare 1692 Dutch manual with 700 pages of hand-mixed color swatches now scanned online
A. Boogert's 1692 manuscript Klaer Lightende Spiegel der Verfkonst, a 900-page guide to mixing watercolor paints, survives as a single handwritten copy containing over 700 pages of hand-painted color swatches. Medieval historian Erik Kwakkel located the volume in a French database, and a high-resolution scan of the entire book is now available online.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The manuscript predates Newton's Opticks and the later wave of color-theory texts by Goethe, Werner, and eventually Pantone, offering a rare documented view into how 17th-century painters actually mixed pigments. Because it existed as only one copy, its influence on contemporaries was likely limited, suggesting its value today is primarily historical and educational rather than evidence of wide impact in its own era.
- The 1692 book by A. Boogert contains over 700 pages of hand-mixed color swatches.
- Only one copy was ever made, limiting its historical influence on painters of the era.
- A full high-resolution scan of the manuscript is now publicly accessible online.
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Mixing Set — Inspired by Boogert's painstaking hand-mixed color swatches, this watercolor set lets you experiment with your own pigment blending just like the 17th-century artists did. It's a great way to explore color theory hands-on rather than just reading about it. Perfect for anyone fascinated by the historical art of color mixing shown in this manuscript.
See Winsor & Newton Watercolor Mixing Set on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: openculture.com, 2026-10-12
Published there as: “900-Page Pre-Pantone Guide to Color from 1692 (With Complete High-Res Scan)”
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