The author comprehensively analyzes the early work of the German artist Otto Freundlich (1878-1943). He began developing an independent, non-representational visual language during his first stay in Paris in 1908, without conforming to or subordinating himself to the prevailing art styles like many of his contemporaries: "I have [...] created according to my inner conviction, which demanded a departure from tradition." Through the reconstruction of his network, the study positions the artist as a self-assured pioneer of abstraction within the Parisian avant-garde.