Bernard Buffet and Don Quixote: a rare complete work with its black suite

Among the works illustrated by Bernard Buffet, some hold a special place due to the quality of their execution and the rarity of their print run. This is the case with "Don Quixote", published in 1989 by Maurice Garnier and illustrated with ten original lithographs by Bernard Buffet.

Gallery 125 is presenting today a particularly rare copy of this book: the special copy number 13/200, accompanied by its additional set of ten black lithographs, a feature reserved for only thirty copies.

Don Quixote interpreted by Bernard Buffet

The universe of Don Quixote, the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes, naturally seems to meet that of Bernard Buffet.

The knight with the oversized silhouette, his gaunt face, his armor, his horse, and the characters accompanying him on his journey find a clear echo in Buffet's distinctive drawing style.

His black, nervous, and angular stroke gives a particular strength to Cervantes' characters. In these compositions, we find the immediately identifiable style of Bernard Buffet, who used to elongate silhouettes, carve faces, and build his images around powerful lines.

It is not simply about illustrating a famous text: Buffet truly reappropriates the universe of Don Quixote with his own graphic language.

Ten original color lithographs

The book is illustrated with ten original color lithographs, specially created by Bernard Buffet for this 1989 edition.

They were printed on Arches vellum, on the famous presses of Mourlot, whose name remains intimately linked to the history of modern lithography and the greatest artists of the 20th century.

Each sheet measures 75.5 × 58 cm, a large format that allows the compositions to fully express themselves.

The ten lithographs are signed in pencil at the bottom right by Bernard Buffet and numbered.

Why is Bernard Buffet's Don Quixote rare ?

Don Quixote by Bernard Buffet, published in 1989 by Maurice Garnier, is among the most remarkable illustrated works by the artist. The edition is limited to 200 copies, but only 30 copies contain an additional suite of ten black lithographs. These special copies include a total of 20 original lithographs by Bernard Buffet: 10 in color and 10 in black, printed on Arches vellum by Mourlot and signed in pencil by the artist.

A rare additional set of ten black lithographs

This is where this copy takes on a particular dimension.

In addition to the ten color lithographs included in the book, copy number 13/200 also contains a second complete set of the ten compositions printed in black only.

This black suite was reserved for only thirty copies.

It allows for a different perspective on Bernard Buffet's work. Deprived of color, the compositions reveal the full power of his drawing. The lines, hatching, and contrasts become predominant and particularly highlight the construction of each image.

Being able to observe the same composition in its color version and then in its black interpretation is one of the great interests of this collection.

A copy of the first edition number 13 out of 200.

The justification of the print identifies this work as copy number 13 out of 200. It is also signed by Bernard Buffet.

The presence of the black suite in this copy ranks it among the thirty most complete copies of the edition.

The set thus includes:

-          the work Don Quixote Edited by Maurice Garnier in 1989

-          10 original color lithographs

-          10 additional lithographs in black

-          the set on Arches vellum

-          each lithograph numbered and signed in pencil by Bernard Buffet

-          the proof of print also signed by the artist

In total, this copy allows for the collection of twenty original lithographs signed by Bernard Buffet around the same subject.

Mourlot, Maurice Garnier and Bernard Buffet

The creation of the work also brings together two names closely associated with Bernard Buffet's career.

The lithographs were printed on the presses of Mourlot, a Parisian workshop that played a major role in the revival of artistic lithography in the 20th century.

The work is edited by Maurice Garnier, a historic art dealer of Bernard Buffet and one of the personalities most closely associated with the dissemination and recognition of his work.

This association helps to make Don Quixote much more than just an illustrated book: it is a true bibliophilic collection dedicated to the lithographic work of the artist.

A set preserved in its original packaging

The book and its sequels are kept in their original cardboard box covered in gray fabric, measuring approximately 78 × 60 × 3 cm.

The simplicity of this packaging, bearing simply the names Don Quixote I'm sorry, but "et" means "and" in English. If you provide more context or a complete sentence, I'll be happy to help with a translation. Bernard Buffet, in contrast with the wealth of the works it contains.

The set thus forms a complete object, designed from the beginning to preserve and display the various lithographs in the best conditions.

Bernard Buffet and lithography

Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) is one of the major French artists of the second half of the 20th century. In addition to his painting, he also created a significant body of graphic work, including many pieces. original lithographs. His style is recognized by his sharp black lines, angular shapes, elongated silhouettes, and immediately identifiable compositions. His lithographs have notably been printed by Mourlot and published by Maurice Garnier.

A rare piece in Bernard Buffet's graphic work

The original lithographs by Bernard Buffet are regularly available on the market. However, it is much less common to come across the complete work of Don Quixote accompanied by its black suite.

The assembly of the twenty lithographs, their pencil signatures, the printing on Arches vellum by Mourlot, the Maurice Garnier edition, and above all, the belonging to the limited series of thirty copies with an additional set, give this set a special character.

It also allows us to discover Bernard Buffet from a different perspective: that of the illustrator confronting his personal universe with one of the most famous characters in literature.

This copy number 13/200 of "Don Quixote" by Bernard Buffet, with its rare complete set in black, is currently available at Galerie 125. Click here to discover it.