Classical Art.

Auguste Herbin | From Cubism to Pure Abstraction

Auguste Herbin (1882–1960) was a pioneering French painter best known for his contributions to abstract and geometric art. Born in Quiévy, France, Herbin initially explored Impressionism and Post-Impressionism before shifting toward Cubism after moving to Paris in 1901. He exhibited alongside Picasso and Braque and was featured in the influential 1912 Salon des Indépendants. In the 1920s, Herbin co-founded the Abstraction-Création group, rejecting figurative art in favor of non-representational forms. He developed a unique visual language combining color, shape, and letters, eventually creating the "Alphabet Plastique"—a system where letters corresponded to geometric shapes and specific colors. Herbin believed that art could be a universal language of emotion and intellect. His works are characterized by bold colors, symmetrical compositions, and pure abstraction. Despite being largely overlooked during parts of his career, his influence resurfaced in post-war modernist movements. Herbin’s legacy lies in his deep commitment to the ideals of purity in art and his tireless innovation in visual communication. Today, his works are celebrated in major museums and collections around the world, representing a vital chapter in the history of abstract art.