Untitled 1959

This untitled painting was made by Auguste Herbin sometime in his life. The palette is pure and restrained, mostly primary colours plus black and white, giving a sense of both simplicity and boldness. The shapes are hard-edged, precisely defined, everything about this work screams control. Look at the texture here, Herbin has used flat blocks of colour and crisp lines in oil. The paint application is smooth and even, without any visible brushstrokes, so it’s hard to see the process of its making. Take a look at the large red circle, it’s the focal point of the painting, commanding your attention immediately. It's framed by a thin white line and a thicker black line, creating a visual push and pull. The use of geometric abstraction reminds me of Piet Mondrian, but Herbin’s use of colour feels more playful. Herbin's piece invites us to explore the interplay between form and colour, and to appreciate the power of simplicity in art. It's a reminder that art is a conversation, not a monologue.