Bernard Buffet : biography

Bernard Buffet, born on July 10, 1928, in Paris and passed away on October 4, 1999, was an iconic French painter of the 20th century. His fame was built around his unique style, characterized by the use of thick lines and often dark colors, which gave birth to highly expressive and melancholic works.

Buffet made his mark on the art scene shortly after World War II, at a time when abstract art was dominant. However, his commitment to realism and his ability to capture the existential angst of the post-war era quickly set him apart. His subjects varied widely, including portraits, still lifes, landscapes, and religious scenes, reflecting his fascination with the human condition and the often overlooked beauties of nature.

In 1948, Buffet gained recognition from critics and the public, winning the Prix de la Critique, marking the beginning of a prolific career. During the 1950s and 1960s, he was considered one of the most important painters of his generation, with exhibitions drawing large crowds in France and internationally.

Despite some critical decline in his work over the decades, partly due to his rejection of abstraction and his immense commercial success, interest in his work experienced a resurgence after his death. Today, Bernard Buffet is celebrated for his significant contribution to 20th-century art, with his work recognized for its emotional power and distinctive style.