An Inside look at Bernard Aubertin’s Designs.

An inside look at Bernard Aubertin's design.

Aubertin organs are known for their unique aesthetic, which seamlessly blends solid oak, intricate carvings, and shapes inspired by 17th-century German organs. But before these majestic instruments come to life, each one begins its journey on paper.Bernard Aubertin, who studied at the École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg, has always had a passion for drawing. Defying modern trends, he meticulously crafts his plans and sketches by hand, never relying on computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Throughout his career, Bernard Aubertin has honed his craft by embracing the principles of proportion, a tradition inherited from the master builders of cathedrals, which lends each of his creations its distinct visual harmony. He also draws on a rich symbolic vocabulary, often with medieval influences, to design the sculptures that adorn his instruments. These sculptures depict celestial bodies or plant motifs, evoking the beauty of divine creation as expressed in Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of Brother Sun."

Each Aubertin organ is much more than just an instrument; it is a visual masterpiece, adorned with symbols for the viewer to interpret. Like a painting, each organ tells a story of creation, aiming to move the viewer's soul through its beauty and harmonious structure.

The Aubertin Archives, which include thousands of preparatory drawings and sketches by Bernard Aubertin, turn his graphic work into a distinct body of art. These archives reveal the depths of Aubertin's creative process. Inspired by the cathedral plans preserved at the Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum in Strasbourg, Aubertin has skillfully reinterpreted this centuries-old craftsmanship in organ building.

In this blog, we will explore many aspects of this graphic archive in detail. We will also delve into the hidden meanings behind Bernard Aubertin’s sculptures and geometric designs.

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