Bernard Buffet was a French painter who gained immense popularity in the early 1950s and continued to paint until his death in 1999. His unique style of art captivated the public, making his paintings highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts all over the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into the life and artistic style of Bernard Buffet and provide practical tips for building a collection of his artwork.
The Life and Career of Bernard Buffet
Born in Paris in 1928, Bernard Buffet displayed a talent for art from a very young age. He studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, but was expelled due to his rebellious nature. This did not deter him from pursuing his passion for painting, and he continued to develop his skills on his own.
Early Life and Education
While studying at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Bernard Buffet was drawn to the works of artists such as Georges Rouault and Maurice Utrillo. He was also influenced by the bleak landscapes of post-war Paris, which would later feature prominently in his paintings.
Entry into the Art World
At the age of 20, Bernard Buffet held his first solo exhibition in Paris, which received critical acclaim. This marked the beginning of his successful career in the art world. His paintings, which were often described as dark and melancholic, resonated with the public and his popularity continued to grow.
Success and Controversy
Despite his success, Bernard Buffet was not without controversy. He was accused of being too commercial, and his art was often criticized for being too bleak and depressing. However, this did not stop his paintings from being highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Bernard Buffet continued to paint, but his popularity waned. Nevertheless, his legacy as one of the most iconic painters of the 20th century remains intact. His paintings continue to be highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts all over the world.
The Artistic Style of Bernard Buffet
Bernard Buffet's artistic style can be described as figurative, with a focus on depicting the human form. His paintings often feature stark, angular lines and a muted colour palette, giving them a distinctive look that sets them apart from his contemporaries.
The Evolution of Bernard Buffet's Art
Bernard Buffet's art evolved over the course of his career, with his early works displaying a bleak outlook on life, while his later works often featured brighter colours and more optimistic themes. Despite this evolution, his unique style remained a constant throughout his career.
Building a Collection of Bernard Buffet's Artwork
Researching Bernard Buffet's Art
Before embarking on the journey of building a collection of Bernard Buffet's artwork, it is important to do your research. This involves familiarizing yourself with his artistic style and the various themes he explored in his paintings. You should also research the various galleries and auction houses where his paintings are sold.
Identifying Authentic Pieces
As with any valuable artwork, authenticity is crucial when it comes to building a collection of Bernard Buffet's paintings. To ensure that you are acquiring authentic pieces, it is important to work with reputable dealers and auction houses. You should also familiarize yourself with the art authentication process.
The art authentication process involves a thorough examination of the artwork by experts in the field to determine its authenticity. This process can be lengthy and expensive, but is necessary to ensure that you are acquiring a genuine piece of artwork.
Acquiring Bernard Buffet's Artwork
Once you have identified the pieces you wish to add to your collection, you can acquire them through various channels such as galleries, auction houses, and private dealers. It is important to set a budget for your collection and to negotiate the price with the seller.
Displaying and Maintaining a Collection
Once you have acquired a collection of Bernard Buffet's artwork, it is important to display them in a way that does them justice. This involves carefully choosing the location and lighting for each piece. It is also important to maintain your collection by storing it properly and having it regularly assessed by experts.