Color Charts: A History is a visually stunning exploration of how societies have classified, communicated, and celebrated colour for centuries. From medieval dyers and Renaissance painters to industrial designers and modern scientists, this richly illustrated volume traces the evolution of colour charts—tools once practical, now objects of fascination.Drawing on nearly 200 rare and largely unpublished documents, Anne Varichon reveals how fabric swatches, paint samples, silk skeins, and lipstick fragments helped shape our chromatic vocabulary. Discover how these ingenious creations—from Werner’s famous colour nomenclature to bespoke designer palettes—have inspired generations of artists, artisans, and colour theorists alike.Perfect for readers interested in art history, design, fashion, and visual culture, this book unveils the remarkable legacy of colour charts as both scientific instruments and cultural icons.