174 - BUFFET, BERNARD

BUFFET, BERNARD 1928 Paris–1999 Tourtour, Southern France Title: Au bon coin chez Maurice. Date: 1970. Technique: Watercolor, colored pencil, and India ink on SCHOELLER TURM (blind stamp). Dimensions: 49.5 x 65.5 cm. Inscription: Signed and dated lower left: Bernard Buffet 70. On the reverse, upper left, bears the stamp “Maurice Garnier.” Frame: Framed. The work is documented in the Bernard Buffet Archive at the Galerie Maurice Garnier, Paris. Provenance: - Galerie Maurice Garnier, Paris - Edgar M. Bronfman Collection (acquired from previous owner in 1971) - Christie’s, New York, 2845th auction, May 7, 2014, lot 113 - Wally Findlay Galleries, New York - Private collection, USA (purchased from previous owner) - Sotheby’s, New York, N09876th auction, December 14, 2018, lot 38 - Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia - French street scene rendered in Buffet’s characteristic expressive graphic style - Significant provenance from the Maurice Garnier Gallery and the well-known collection of the American Edgar M. Bronfman - Perfect interplay of graphic lines and bold color accents - Buffet’s consistent rejection of abstract influences from postwar art led to his unmistakable style Even at a young age, Bernard Buffet developed a distinctive visual language characterized by sharply contoured shapes, a dense network of black lines, and a strongly graphic approach to painting. While his early works were often characterized by a sparse, largely monochrome color scheme, his palette increasingly expanded to include bright colors in the following decades. The characteristic lines remain the defining element and give his landscapes and cityscapes an exciting, immediately recognizable presence. In “Au bon coin, chez Maurice” from 1970, Buffet focuses on a French street corner featuring a café and restaurant. Bold black lines outline the houses, trees, and clouds and structure the entire composition. The energetically placed brushstrokes enliven the otherwise still scene. Bright areas of green, yellow, orange, and red structure the composition: the colorfully accented facades and windows stand out effectively against the dominant black lines and the largely empty spaces. What is remarkable is the combination of precise observation and consistent stylization with which Buffet translates the numerous details of the street scene into his characteristic graphic formal language. Perspective lines lead deep into the street space, while power lines, branches, and architectural contours rhythmically structure the composition and give the street scene its special dynamic. There is a special connection to the Maurice Garnier Gallery, from whose collection this sheet originates. Maurice Garnier supported Buffet’s artistic career as a gallery owner for decades. As early as 1971, the work became part of the important Edgar M. Bronfman collection. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: This lot is not suitable for parcel shipping. Transport is only available via a shipping company after consultation following the auction. Additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to a total invoice amount of 25,000 euros: max. 41.65 euros For a total invoice amount exceeding 25,000 Euros: 1.8 per thousand Shipping to the U.S. by individual arrangement after the auction. #Bernard Buffet #Expressionism #France #Post-War Art #1970s #Modern Art. In accordance with §26 UrhG (German Copyright Act), VAN HAM is obligated to pay a statutory resale royalty on the sale proceeds of all original works of fine art and photography whose authors have not been deceased for 70 years prior to the end of the calendar year of the sale. The buyer shall contribute 1.5% of the hammer price toward this fee.