BERNARD BUFFET (FR, 1928 - 1999)
'TETE DE CLOWN'
1959
LITHOGRAPH ON STRETCHED CANVAS
CANVAS SIZE : 56,5CM X 46CM
VERSO : CANVAS STRETCHER STAMPED 'LA SALLE ART SOCIETY INC NYC'
FRAMED SIZE : 71,5CM X 61CM
SIGNED & DATED 55
CONDITION : AGE RELATED CRACKS ON SURFACE
FRAMED
In 1959 Galerie David at Garnier, Paris & Brown contracted a reproduction of the original Tete de Clown painting to be created for the printing and distribution of a lithograph. Galerie David at Garnier, Paris & Brown retained the copyrights of that reproduction painting.
"Tete de Clown" lithographs by Galerie David at Garnier, Paris & Brown were produced using advanced printing techniques for the time, combined with subsequent surface applications of clear mediums and varnishes designed to mimic the texture, sheen, and brushstrokes of Buffet's original oil paintings. They were essentially high-quality, textured reproductions designed to evoke the tactile experience an oil painting.
HIGHEST AUCTION RECORD FOR ARTIST
"Le Village" (1959), $2 624 000, 2019, Christie's Paris
Bernard Buffet's clown portraits are a fascinating aspect of his oeuvre. Here are some key points about his clown paintings:
1. Series of works: Buffet created a series of clown portraits throughout his career, with over 100 paintings dedicated to this theme.
2. Inspiration: Buffet's fascination with clowns began in the 1950s, inspired by the circus and the tragic-comic figures of clowns.
3. Expressive and emotive: His clown portraits are characterized by bold, vibrant colors and thick brushstrokes, conveying a sense of melancholy, sadness, and introspection.
4. Distorted forms: Buffet's clowns often feature elongated faces, exaggerated features, and expressive eyes, adding to their emotional intensity.
5. Symbolism: Clowns, for Buffet, symbolized the human condition, representing both joy and sorrow, comedy and tragedy.
6. Popular and iconic: Buffet's clown portraits are among his most popular and iconic works, highly sought after by collectors and museums.
7. Variations and experimentation: Throughout his career, Buffet experimented with different styles, colors, and techniques in his clown portraits, making each work unique.
Some notable examples of Buffet's clown portraits include "Clown avec Fleur" (1960), "Le Clown Musicien" (1965), and "Clown Triste" (1970). These paintings showcase Buffet's mastery of capturing the complex emotions and humanity behind the clown's mask.
Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) was a French post-impressionist painter renowned for his bold, expressive, and emotionally charged works. His unique style blended elements of realism and abstraction, characterized by thick brushstrokes, vivid colors, and distorted forms. Buffet's prolific career spanned over five decades, producing thousands of paintings that captivated audiences worldwide. His works often explored themes of landscape, still life, and portraiture, imbued with a sense of melancholy and introspection. Today, Buffet's paintings are highly prized by collectors and museums, solidifying his position as one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.
