Auguste HERBST (1878-1951) after Philippe DE GUELDRE (1464-1 - Lot 108

Auguste HERBST (1878-1951) after Philippe DE GUELDRE (1464-1547) Illumination of the "Vita Christi", 1506 Gouache on paper. Missing lower right part From H_43.5 cm W_27.5 cm to H_27 cm x W_20.5 cm Auguste Herbst (1878-1951), born in Strasbourg, was a French draftsman, watercolorist and colorist associated with the École de Nancy and Art Nouveau. Trained at the Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg, he joined the Gallé factory in Nancy in 1898, where he quickly became a key player in the floral and plant decoration characteristic of the movement. Despite being placed under house arrest during the First World War, he continued to provide designs for Gallé and, in 1919, took over artistic direction of the workshop until the factory closed in 1931. Herbst distinguished himself through his botanical studies, refined decorative motifs and mark-making skills, contributing to the alliance of the decorative and applied arts. His works, executed in pencil, ink, watercolor or gouache, are notably conserved at the Musée de l'École de Nancy and the Musée d'Orsay.