On Symbolic colors; in antiquity, the middle ages and modern times

On Symbolic colors; in antiquity, the middle ages and modern times

By F. Portal. Distributor: Lulu. $19.99. 222 pages. Paperback UT. 2016 (1845).

This book lists the symbolic and esoteric meanings of the colors of antiquity until the beginning of the nineteenth century. This is a fundamental research work based on more than 250 references on the subject. It is, according to René Guénon, "of the greatest interest, and even indispensable to all those who, in any capacity, are interested in the subject he treats, since there is no other that can replace him."

The originality of Frederic Portal's study concerns the ternary analysis of colors and the principle of polarities or "rule of oppositions". The meaning of the symbols is thus based on three degrees, the "divine language", the "sacred language" and the "profane language" and two polarities.

The work has been reedited and compared to the French original. Omitted parts and notes of the original text have been reinserted. All references have been clarified and, when possible, Latin and Greek authors’ names and tittles are now in English. References to English or French translations have been added. A bibliography and a list of additional references has been compiled.

Content

Note by Eric Serejski.
Preface
Introduction [by the translator]
[Introduction]
Principles of the symbolism of colors
- Rule of combinations
- Rule of oppositions
Of White
- Divine language
- Consecrated language
- Profane language
Of Yellow
- Divine language
- Consecrated language
- Profane language
Of Red
- Divine language
- Consecrated language
- Profane or popular language
Of Blue
- Divine language
- Consecrated language
- Profane language
Of Black
Of Green
- Divine language
- Consecrated language
- Profane or popular language
Of Rose
Of Purple, of Hyacinth, and of Scarlet
Of Violet
Of Orange
Of Tan
Of Grey
Summary
Conclusion
Conclusion [of W. S. Inman]
[Bibliography]
- Work cited
- Additional works [S.E.]