C Major9 - Variation 1 — Acrylic on Paper by Arnaud Quercy

About This Artwork

This work explores the visual translation of a C Major9 chord through chromesthetic mapping, where musical tones correspond to specific colors. Part of the Synesthetic Explorations collection, the piece investigates how harmonic relationships in music can be expressed through color relationships on paper.

Orange tones dominate the composition, with warm coral and salmon colors occupying the upper regions while deeper chocolate and burnt sienna tones anchor the lower areas. Black and dark gray forms create structural weight, establishing the root foundation of the chord. A subtle yellow-green accent appears as a small geometric element, representing the ninth interval that gives the chord its extended harmonic character. The colors are organized in distinct geometric zones that mirror the intervallic relationships between the musical tones.

The work measures 21.0 × 29.5 cm on paper using acrylic paint. This piece translates the specific voicing C1, C2, D4, E4, D5 into its visual equivalent, with each pitch mapped to its corresponding color family through the artist's chromesthetic system. Certificate of authenticity number 20240306-0045 accompanies the work, with the artist's signature on the back.