A simplified landscape by French artist Auguste Herbin, 'Pond and Small House' features a small building reflected in a pond, rendered in blocks of muted colour.

Auguste Herbin (1882-1960) was a French painter known for his contributions to Cubism and abstract art. Initially influenced by Impressionism and Fauvism, Herbin gradually moved towards abstraction, developing a style characterised by geometric forms and bold colours. He was a founding member of the group Abstraction-Création in 1931, advocating for non-figurative art. His later work explored the relationship between letters and forms, creating a unique visual language. Herbin's theories and paintings influenced subsequent generations of artists. 'Pond and Small House' presents a simplified, almost abstracted view of a rural scene. A small, pink-roofed house sits on a bank, reflected in the still water of a pond. The surrounding trees and foliage are rendered in blocks of green, brown, and blue, with minimal detail. The composition is balanced, with the house acting as a central point, anchoring the reflection below. The palette is muted, with earthy tones dominating the scene, creating a sense of calm and stillness. The brushstrokes are visible, adding texture to the surface and emphasising the materiality of the paint.