Color: Beyond Simplified Definitions

When we talk about 'red', our mind immediately turns to specific shades, such as the vibrant color of a Ferrari or the burning flame of a fire. However, behind this simple label hides a universe of nuances, technical variations and cultural meanings that we often overlook. Our inclination to simplify language leads us to reduce the entire complexity of color to a generic definition. In reality, each color, including red, embraces a wide spectrum of meanings, both technical and cultural.

Color is not an intrinsic property of objects, but the result of an interaction between light, surface and human perception. As Josef Albers points out in Interaction of Color (1963), color depends not only on the physical characteristics of an object, but also on environmental conditions and on our visual interpretation.

Lighting conditions have a significant impact on our perception of colors. The temperature of the light, which varies from warm to cold, affects the appearance of red. For example, Traffic Red may appear particularly vibrant in natural light, while it may appear darker and less intense under cold artificial lighting. This phenomenon, known as chromatic adaptation, reflects our brain's ability to adjust color perception based on the light source (Schanda, 2007).

Display technology also plays a crucial role. While digital monitors use the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) system, which is based on the emission of light to create colors, printing uses the CMYK system (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), based on the reflection of light. These technical differences mean that a color like Tomato Red may appear less vivid on paper than it does on a monitor (Hunt, 2004; Fairchild, 2013).

Subjective Color Perception

The perception of color is a profoundly subjective experience. As Margaret Livingstone explains in her book Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing (2008), the physiology of the human eye plays a crucial role in the ability to distinguish different shades. Changes in eye photoreceptors may allow some people to perceive subtle shades between similar hues, such as Blood Red and Grenade Red, while others may not notice the differences at all.

Tools such as the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test have been developed to measure a person's ability to perceive and distinguish subtle variations in color. This test reveals how biology and personal experience influence color perception, helping to identify any difficulties, such as color blindness or reduced sensitivity to colors (Birren, 1961). However, most people are not aware of the complexity of these perceptual differences and how they affect color interpretation.

In addition to biology, culture significantly affects our perception of color. Riccardo Falcinelli, in Cromorama (2017), points out that red is commonly associated with intense emotions such as passion and love in Western cultures, while in many Asian cultures it symbolizes prosperity and good luck. These cultural differences not only shape the interpretation of colors, but they also affect the terminology we use to name and catalog them.

Color naming can be confusing. Colors with similar names can appear considerably different when analyzed technically. For example, RAL 3000 (Fire Red) and RAL 3020 (Traffic Red), although both defined as “red”, have significant differences in saturation and brightness. This highlights the importance of using precise terminology to avoid misunderstandings and ensure visual and technical consistency (Itten, 1970).

The Case of 'Ferrari Rosso' and Linguistic Simplification

“Ferrari Red” is an excellent example of how common language simplifies the concept of color. Often we immediately associate this shade with the iconic car team, without considering the numerous variations that 'Ferrari Rosso' has undergone over time. From the Rosso Barchetta shade of the 1950s to the modern Rosso Scuderia, designed to stand out better on television, each version has precise technical differences.

However, in our minds, all of these variants are simply labeled “Ferrari Red” because they are on the red spectrum and cover a Ferrari. We ignore the differences between the technical values of RGB, CMYK, Pantone or RAL, reducing an entire range of shades to a single mental label. This phenomenon reflects how our brain simplifies visual complexity, neglecting details that, technically, distinguish one shade from another.

To better understand this dynamic, let's consider a larger group of reds, such as Cinnabar Red, Crimson Red, Bordeaux Red and Pompeian Red. Although all these colors are commonly referred to as' red ', from a technical point of view they have significant differences. For example, Cinnabar Red (Pantone 1795 C) has an RGB composition of 218-41-28, creating a particularly saturated and vibrant color. In comparison, Crimson Red (Pantone 200 C) has an RGB value of 196-30-58, resulting in a deeper, darker tone.

In everyday language, these shades tend to be simplified into a single category: 'red'. However, each shade has its own story and a very specific technical meaning. Cinnabar Red, for example, has been used as a pigment since ancient times, symbolizing wealth and power thanks to its unique brilliance. In the same way, Crimson Red has a long tradition, being associated with medieval and Renaissance nobility.

The Cases of Carmine Red - Crimson Red and Scarlet Red - Fire Red - Cadmium Red and the simplification of technical language

An interesting example of this simplification is the comparison between Carmine Red, Crimson Red, Scarlet Red, Fire Red and Cadmium Red. Although all of these colors are commonly referred to as' red ', each of them has its own well-defined technical identity. For example, Carmine Red (Pantone 200 C) and Crimson Red (also Pantone 200 C) share the same code, but may be perceived differently depending on the surfaces on which they are applied and the lighting conditions. Scarlet Red (Pantone 485 C), Fire Red (Pantone 485 C) and Cadmium Red (Pantone 485 C) are also similar in RGB and CMYK values, but their distinct names connect each of them to specific contexts and to different applications in design, fashion and graphics.

These examples demonstrate that apparently similar colors can have very different connotations and applications. Linguistic simplification often leads us to ignore these distinctions, which can instead have a significant impact in professional fields such as design and art, where even the smallest chromatic variations can influence the final perception of a work or product.

Carmine Red and Crimson Red offer an interesting example of how apparently similar colors can have distinct identities depending on the color classification system. Both share the Pantone 200 C code and have RGB values of 196, 30, 58, but they differ in RAL and TCX systems:

• Carmine Red is identified in the RAL system as RAL 3002, while the Crimson Red is designated as RAL 3003. This shows that, despite having the same Pantone code, the industry clearly distinguishes them.

• In the TCX system, Carmine Red is called Crimson, while Crimson Red is known as Scarlet Sage. This slight variation in names suggests differences in interpretation in the fashion and design sectors.

Another emblematic example concerns the colors Scarlet Red, Fire Red and Cadmium Red. Even though they belong to the same color family, the differences in their codes highlight the complexity of color management:

• Scarlet Red is encoded as Pantone 485 C and has RGB values of 237, 27, 36. It is frequently used in advertising settings due to its liveliness.

• Fire Red, while sharing the Pantone code with Scarlet Red, is perceived as brighter, with RGB values of 255, 0, 0, making it suitable for contexts that require immediate attention.

• Cadmium red, finally, it presents a Pantone 485 C with RGB values of 255, 3, 62, showing deeper shades than the other two, while maintaining its identity as “pure red”.

Technical Differences and Implications

These examples highlight how the perception and use of colors that appear similar can be determined by subtle technical differences. Scarlet Red and Fire Red, despite having very close RGB values, are distinguished based on small details that only measuring instruments such as colorimeters can detect. Even a slight deviation in CMYK values can cause visual variations, especially under different lighting conditions or on different materials.

The different names in the TCX and RAL systems not only reflect these technical variations, but also highlight how the fashion and industrial design industries can categorize and use color in very different ways. A color called Poppy Red in the TCX system can take on a completely different meaning than Cadmium Red, depending on the practical application.

The distinction between digital visualization and printing, however, represents one of the most significant challenges for those who work in the field of design and visual communication. Digital visualization is based on the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) system, which uses the light emitted by pixels to create colors. On the contrary, printing uses the CMYK system (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), based on the subtraction of light, using inks on physical surfaces to reproduce colors. These differences in display and reproduction methods can lead to significant variations in color perception: a vibrant red seen on a screen may appear less saturated or different on paper.

To ensure consistency across these different media, Pantone tables play a crucial role. Pantone offers a standardized reference system that allows designers and manufacturers to accurately predict how colors will appear on different materials, from monitors to prints. The use of Pantone to communicate colors between designers, printers and manufacturers is essential to avoid discrepancies and misunderstandings in the production process (Grimley & Love, 2007).

Standardized references are not only useful for ensuring consistency between digital and physical, but also for preserving the visual identity of a brand or product. Pantone tables, together with tools such as colorimeters and the Delta E measurement system, provide measurable and precise parameters to ensure that the colors chosen meet expectations.

The Delta E measures the differences between two perceived colors, allowing professionals to accurately determine if a color variation is acceptable. This technology is crucial for maintaining color recognition across different platforms and materials. For a brand, ensuring that its color is exactly the same on a website, in a brochure or in a packaging is essential for the consistency of visual communication (Balzani, 2011).

Impact on Design and Production

In the world of design and production, where chromatic consistency is fundamental, understanding these technical differences becomes essential. Imagine a brand that has built its visual identity around a particular shade of red. If this color is not accurately standardized on various supports - such as on digital screens, printed paper or painted surfaces - it can be inconsistent, altering the overall image of the brand.

The complexity of color standardization is particularly evident in sectors such as fashion, advertising and the automotive industry. Even a small mistake in choosing the Pantone or RAL code can lead to visually unsatisfactory results, with tangible consequences on the aesthetics and perception of a product. Therefore, the ability to distinguish between colors such as Scarlet Red, Fire Red and Cadmium Red is not only a technical issue, but a crucial factor for maintaining chromatic consistency and ensuring the final quality of the design or product.

These examples help us understand how language and simplified definitions of color can mask a technical complexity that plays a crucial role in many sectors. The way in which we perceive and interpret color, and how it is managed at an industrial level, is an integral part of precise and consistent visual communication.

In-depth study: The Historical and Cultural Meanings of the Color Red

Red is a crucial element in artistic expression, used to evoke intense emotions. Artists like Caravaggio and Rubens have used red to emphasize moments of dramatic tension, creating powerful atmospheres. In literature, red plays a significant role. Works like Red and black by Stendhal use color to symbolize ambition and inner conflicts, reflecting the passions and tensions of the characters. This shows that red not only has a visual impact, but also an important emotional and narrative weight, intensifying the involvement of the reader or viewer (Itten, 1970).

Throughout history, red has taken on profoundly different meanings depending on the cultural and temporal context. An emblematic example is the Pompeian Red, used in the frescoes of ancient Pompeii, a symbol of elegance and beauty and representative of the refinement of Roman patrician homes. The accessibility of synthetic pigments has expanded the use of red in multiple applications, from art to fashion, influencing our perceptions (Grimley & Love, 2007).

For the Romans, this color represented much more than just a shade. It symbolized prestige and wealth, associated with the homes of the patrician elites and the magnificence of the frescoes that decorated their homes. Today, this wealth of cultural nuances is often ignored in everyday communication, where we simplify our understanding of color, reducing Pompeian Red to a generic definition of 'red'.

This color, with RGB values of 163-43-43, is more earthy and darker than other bright shades of red, such as Fire Red or Hibiscus Red. Despite these distinctions, in common language we tend to refer to all these colors simply as' red ', neglecting their deep roots in the art and beauty of Roman antiquity.

In the religious sphere, red has strong symbolic connotations. In Christianity, it represents the sacrifice and martyrdom of Christ, while in Hinduism it symbolizes prosperity and fertility, as evidenced by the brides' clothing during wedding ceremonies. The cultural perception of color is a crucial aspect, since it can vary enormously from one region of the world to another. In the West, red is therefore commonly associated with passion, love and danger. However, in many Asian cultures, red has completely different meanings: it is considered the color of luck, prosperity and joy, often used in major celebrations, such as weddings and the Chinese New Year. For example, Tomato Red (Pantone 2035 C), with RGB values of 255-99-71, can evoke freshness and appetite in the West, especially thanks to its association with food, while in Asia it could assume an auspicious meaning. These examples demonstrate how a color can vary in symbolic meaning, influenced by cultural beliefs and traditions (Balzani, 2011).

This diversity of cultural perception underlines how color is not only a technical issue, linked to formulas and codes, but also a phenomenon deeply rooted in the traditions and collective experiences of a community. The language used to describe colors is not, therefore, a mere simplification of physical reality, but represents shared cultural and social experiences.

The Perception of the Color Red

The color red isn't just a visual choice; it also has significant effects on mental health and human behavior. Various researches have shown that the perception of red can cause physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, associated with a sense of energy and excitement. For this reason, red is often used in situations that require immediate attention or a quick response, such as warning and danger signals. Red naturally attracts attention and is considered the color of urgency. A study by Elliot & Niesta (2008) highlighted how red is associated with psychological arousal, making it a dominant color in settings that require an immediate response.

In the world of advertising and marketing, red is used for the same reasons: its ability to attract attention and evoke quick reactions makes it a powerful color for promoting immediate messages. Iconic brands such as Coca-Cola and Target use red in their logos to evoke strong emotions and remain etched in the consumer's mind. Red is frequently associated with dynamism, excitement and vitality, characteristics that make products more desirable. The use of red in commercial promotions, according to numerous studies, has been shown to increase public interest and to push people to make decisions faster than more neutral colors (Hunt, 2004). This reflects its stimulating and engaging nature.

Even the world of fashion and design has benefited from the expressive power of red. Over the years, some specific shades of red have become cultural symbols. An example is Rosso Valentino (Pantone 200 C), a sophisticated shade that evokes luxury and elegance, thanks also to its association with the well-known Italian designer. This red, characterized by an RGB of 204-0-0, transmits passion and class, creating a combination between the world of design and visual emotion.

In the same way, Ferrari Red is another example of how a specific shade has become a cultural icon. The red color of Ferrari cars represents speed, prestige and performance. These examples demonstrate how, regardless of small technical variations in shades, common language tends to simplify, leading to a perception of color that, although rich in meanings, does not always reflect its chromatic complexity.

Conclusion

We used the Color Red, but we could have used Blue, Green, Yellow or any other color. The visual language is extremely complex and behind every single nuance hides a journey made of history, science, biology, habit and language. The color is not unique both technically and linguistically it is a mistake, in glitch. There is no parameter to define it absolutely, it is a convention but most of the time it turns out to be an abstraction.

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Bibliography:

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• Albers, J. (1963). Interaction of Color. Yale University Press. ISBN: 978-0300179354

• Balzani, M. (2011). The color project. Operational handbook for the chromatic management of architectural surfaces. Maggioli Editore. ISBN: 978-8838768928

• Birren, F. (1984). Color and Human Response: Aspects of Light and Color Bearing on the Reactions of Living Things and the Welfare of Human Beings. Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN: 978-0442209612

• Elliot, A.J., & Niesta, D. (2008). Romantic red: Red enhances men's attraction to women. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(5), 1150-1164.

• Fairchild, M.D. (2013). Color Appearance Models (3rd ed.). Wiley-IS&T Series in Imaging Science and Technology. ISBN: 978-1118653100

• Falcinelli, R. (2017). Cromorama: How color has changed our way of looking. Einaudi. ISBN: 978-8806234656

• Grimley, C., & Love, M. (2007). Color in Context: A Cross-Platform Guide to Color Systems. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN: 978-1568987058

• Hunt, R.W.G. (2004). The Reproduction of Colour (6th ed.). Wiley-IS&T. ISBN: 978-0470024260

• Itten, J. (1970). The Art of Color. Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN: 978-0471289286

• Livingstone, M. (2008). Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing. Harry N. Abrams. ISBN: 978-0810995543

• Schanda, J. (2007). Colorimetry: Understanding the CIE System. Wiley. ISBN: 978-0470049041

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