§ 41—13. BALANCE OF COLOUR. 59 



of taste, is a great desideratum ; and it is refreshing to hear 

 an original remark from those who, in looking at objects of 

 art, express their opinion without reference to some hackneyed 

 one daily repeated without inquiry or conviction. Even if 

 wrong, it may have its use ; and at all events the original 

 thinker will occasionally suggest a valuable idea, which is not 

 to be obtained from one who is satisfied with a borrowed 

 criticism. Instances of this might be cited in the opinions 

 of some who, though biassed in their views, and seeing 

 excellence only in a particular style, yet do, from their origi- 

 nality of thought, offer many most valuable suggestions. 



42. In the combination of colours there are some which, 

 being contrasts, set off each other, and materially heighten their 

 effect ; while others, again, decrease it. In both cases their 

 effect depends greatly on their relative proportions ; and such 

 is the influence of proportion, that colours which suit each 

 other in one instance will sometimes have a disagreeable 

 effect in another, where the quantity, or even the tone of 

 one is too great or too little for that of its neighbour. 

 And a similarly inharmonious character will be given to a 

 whole carpet, or other coloured object, when the hues which 

 compose its design offend against those conditions. This 

 balance of colour must always be attended to ; for it is on 

 this, as well as on the suitable juxtaposition of colours that 

 harmony depends. 



43. The first step in studying the harmony of colours, is 

 certainly to ascertain what two, or more, when placed together 

 are concords or discords. But this is not all that has to be 

 determined. The quantity of each must also be regulated, as 

 well as their proper position ; and the same set of colours put 

 together in different proportions and positions will have a 

 different appearance. Colours also borrow from each other, 

 and thus mutually change their effect; while others heighten 

 each other's power by contrast; and others soften, or diminish 



