BUFFET Bernard
Bernard Buffet (1928-1999), a major figure of post-war French painting, is famous for his angular black line and austere palette. A specialist for nearly thirty years, Galerie 125 offers his original lithographs, engravings and signed, numbered works, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
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Bernard Buffet, the Black Line That Conquered the World
Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) stands as one of the major artists of post-war French painting. His expressionist style, instantly recognisable, combines angular black lines, an austere palette and a poignant depiction of solitude and tragedy. He left behind more than 8,000 works, including paintings, drawings, watercolours, engravings and original lithographs, which are now actively sought after on the art market.
His signed original lithographs played an important role in the international spread of his work and are an ideal way into his world. For nearly thirty years, Galerie 125 has been presenting Bernard Buffet's signed and numbered lithographs and engravings, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Key Dates
- 1928: born in Paris on 10 July.
- 1943: enters the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts at the age of 15.
- 1948: wins the Prix de la Critique (Critics' Prize), shared with Bernard Lorjou.
- 1973: opening of a museum entirely devoted to him, in Japan.
- 1989: publication of the album Don Quichotte, ten original colour lithographs.
- 1999: the artist dies at the age of 71.
A Free-Spirited, Precocious Artist
Born in Paris on 10 July 1928, Bernard Buffet entered the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts at the age of 15. Very early on, he drew the attention of critics with his graphic mastery and singular vision. At just 20, he won the Prix de la Critique (Critics' Prize), shared with Bernard Lorjou, and embarked on a meteoric career.
Indifferent to fashion, he developed a personal style, at times decried, often admired. His emaciated figures, deserted landscapes, clowns and still lifes convey a constant inner tension. His influences include Van Gogh, Courbet and Géricault, as well as Rouault and Gruber in the expressionist vein.
International Recognition
While part of the Parisian art world criticised him, Bernard Buffet was acclaimed as a master in Japan. A museum was devoted to him as early as 1973, in Surugadaira. He worked with the great print workshops, notably Mourlot in Paris, where he printed his lithographs alongside major artists of the 20th century such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Joan Miró.
His emblematic cycles, Les Clowns, Les Jeux de dames, Saint-Tropez and Venise, as well as the circus, the bullfight, flowers and birds, now form the heart of the market for his signed original lithographs.
Bernard Buffet's Lithographs: Catalogues Raisonnés and References
Bernard Buffet's lithographs are recorded in the catalogues raisonnés by Charles Sorlier, volume I for 1952-1979 and volume II for 1979-1986, and his engravings in the one by Maurice Rheims. A work's catalogue number is a mark of reliability: any lithograph offered for sale should be identifiable by its reference. To learn how to recognise an authentic print, a genuine signature or a forgery, see our guide Bernard Buffet, Engraver and Lithographer on Le Guide de l'Estampe.
Don Quichotte: Bernard Buffet's Great Album
Among the artist's most remarkable bodies of work is the album Don Quichotte by Cervantes, published in Paris by Maurice Garnier and completed in 1989. It comprises ten original colour lithographs on Arches vellum, printed on the presses of the Imprimerie Mourlot, with texts calligraphed by Buffet himself. The edition is limited to 235 copies, and every plate is signed by the artist. The deluxe copies also include a suite of the black impressions alone. Discover the Don Quichotte album by Bernard Buffet, the complete work with its suite.
Original lithographs by Bernard Buffet: prices and market value
The price of an original lithograph by Bernard Buffet depends on the presence of a handwritten signature, the numbering of the impression, the subject depicted, the size, the period and the condition. As a guide, here are the ranges generally seen on the market, in galleries as well as at auctions:
- Colour edition lithographs: €150 to €400.
- Signed lithographs of small size or with a simple subject: €950 to €1,500.
- Signed large-format lithographs, 58 x 76 cm: €1,800 to €2,500.
- Sought-after pieces, clowns, toreros, series and unique pieces: €3,000 to over €5,000.
The Clowns series and certain powerful graphic compositions regularly achieve higher results. The market value of Bernard Buffet remains stable, with sustained demand for authentic, signed and well-preserved works.
Artist's proofs (E.A.): good practice
The vast majority of authentic artist's proofs by Bernard Buffet are numbered, for example E.A. XII/XXX, and signed. A few precautions are advisable: beware of "E.A." marks added to ordinary impressions to artificially raise their value, and of isolated artist's proofs without numbering whose provenance is neither documented nor credible. If in doubt, ask about the origin of the work, request detailed photographs of the numbering and the signature, and ask for a certificate. A reputable seller will answer these questions without difficulty.
Buying an original work by Bernard Buffet
Buying an original lithograph or a signed engraving by Bernard Buffet requires a rigorous selection, as the market also contains decorative reproductions and later impressions. After nearly thirty years in business, Galerie 125 has learned to identify them and only offers works whose origin it knows with certainty. It presents above:
- signed and numbered original lithographs
- engravings and artist's proofs
- a selection of drawings and watercolours
Each work is described precisely, with complete transparency about its condition, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity that guarantees it and makes it easier to resell. Shipping is carefully handled and payment is secure. Among the works presented: the original lithograph Mon cirque, Clown au fond rouge (1968), La Révolution, Marianne (1989), the Bouquet de jonquilles et lilas (1985) and the original engraving Dante (1976).
How much does a Bernard Buffet lithograph cost?
Expect to pay €150 to €400 for an edition lithograph, €950 to €1,500 for a signed small-format lithograph, €1,800 to €2,500 for a signed large format, and €3,000 to over €5,000 for the most sought-after pieces, such as the clowns and the toreros.
How can you recognise an original Bernard Buffet lithograph?
His black, angular and nervy line, which structures his clowns, cities, flowers and still lifes, makes his work instantly recognisable. An original lithograph is numbered and signed by the artist, and its reference appears in Charles Sorlier's catalogue raisonné. Decorative reproductions, whose signature and numbering are printed, are not original works.
Are all Bernard Buffet lithographs signed?
Most are signed in pencil, a few in ink, notably in the circus series, or in the plate. There are also unsigned edition lithographs, which offer a more accessible way into his world.
Where were Bernard Buffet's lithographs printed?
Most of his lithographs were printed in Paris at the Mourlot workshop, one of the most prestigious of the 20th century. There Buffet produced many original lithographs, as well as the posters for his exhibitions at his dealer Maurice Garnier's gallery.
Is there a Bernard Buffet museum?
Yes, a museum entirely devoted to Bernard Buffet opened in 1973 in Japan, in Shizuoka Prefecture, proof of the artist's great popularity in that country.
Appraisal, sale or purchase of a work by Bernard Buffet
Do you own an original lithograph, an engraving, a drawing or a painting by Bernard Buffet? Galerie 125 offers a confidential, no-obligation appraisal based on in-depth knowledge of the market for modern works. For a reliable appraisal, simply send detailed photographs, the dimensions, the signature and the numbering, as well as the general condition of the work. Depending on the quality of the piece, an immediate purchase may be considered. Every request is handled with care and discretion.
Find out how to proceed on our Sell a work page, or write to us via the online form.