Signed lithograph by Bernard Buffet

Bernard Buffet

Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) was a French painter and graphic artist. He became known for his characteristic style, often referred to as “l’homme tout seul” (the lonely man). Buffet’s artwork is characterized by clean lines, reduced color palettes, and a certain melancholy. He was part of the Nouvelle École de Paris. He was noted by both critics and the general public throughout his career.

Buffet was prolific and created a variety of paintings, prints like the “Bouquet of flowers” and also sculptures. His works can be found in many international collections, including museums, galleries, and private collections. Some of his paintings are also in French museums such as the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

“L’homme-témoin”

Bernard Buffet studied art history at the Lycée Carnot. From 1943 to 1945, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Buffet joined with other painters to form the group “L’homme-témoin” and belonged to the scene of the artistic avant-garde. In the late 1940s, painters Maurice Utrillo and Georges Rouault introduced their friend Buffet to art dealer Maurice Girandin. Girandin signed him up. In the years that followed, Buffet developed a distinctive and realistic style. His models included Rembrandt van Rijn, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Henri Edmond Cross, and Vincent van Gogh.

He was celebrated as a painter of existentialism. At times he was considered the legitimate successor of Pablo Picasso. He achieved prices like the latter.
In 1949, Jean Negulesco bought 21 of his works and later rose to become the No. 1 collector. He was able to show some of Buffet’s works in his films in Hollywood. Moreover, many of Buffet’s works were sold by Negulesco to his friends. These included Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Alfred Hitchcock, Kirk Douglas, and John Huston.

In the same year, the New York Times counted him among France’s Fabulous Young Five, alongside Brigitte Bardot, Roger Vadim, Françoise Sagan, and Yves Saint Laurent. He was considered a star of the painting scene.
Buffet later developed Parkinson’s disease and was no longer able to work. Sadly, he took his own life in 1999 at his home in Tourtour.

This Litohgraph would fit perfectly in-between this Pair of Art Deco Bergères.

Art Deco at RSA Wiesbaden

You can find more Art Deco cabinets, Art Deco chests of drawers and Art Deco lamps in my shop in Wiesbaden. Regine Schmitz-Avila – your specialist for French Art Deco furniture and art objects from around 1930.