Bernard Buffet - Microscope (1959)

Original engraving from 1959
Signed in pencil lower right by the artist Bernard Buffet
Numbered / 100 copies lower left
On BFK Rives vellum size 38 x 28 cm

Work referenced in the catalog raisonné Bernard Buffet Graveur, reference Rheims #23e
Work sold unframed

Bernard Buffet is a French painter of the second half of the 20th century, considered as "miserable expressionist" with regard to his singular style drawn from the daily life of the most modest. Illustrator, watercolourist, popular and prolific sculptor, he is one of the rare artists of his time to obtain international recognition during his lifetime. Bernard Buffet was born on July 10, 1928 in Paris. He spent his childhood rue des Batignolles, in Paris. A precocious artist, he won the entrance exam to the National School of Fine Arts at the age of 15, and became a professional at 18.

Very quickly in 1947, the National Museum of Modern Art of the city of Paris already placed a first order with him.

A spectacular start to his career, which this 27-year-old prodigy confirmed by obtaining first place in the referendum of the magazine "Connaissance des arts" (1955). From 1951, Bernard Buffet became friends with Jean Giono, Jean Cocteau, Louis Aragon, Georges Simenon, Pierre Bergé and even Maurice Druon who devoted a biography to him in 1964. In 1958, Bernard Buffet met Annabel Schwob, who became his muse and whom he married (two daughters were born of this union, Virginie in 1962, Danielle in 1963). Elected to the Academy of Fine Arts in 1974.

For his admirers, Bernard Buffet is pure genius. He was accepted at the age of 15 at the National School of Fine Arts, introduced to collectors by the painter Aujame and was awarded the Prix de la Critique at the age of 20. Bernard Buffet is a master of misery that has its place in the greatest museums, Japan has even dedicated one to him in Surugadaira with nearly a thousand works.