Bernard Buffet was born in Paris on July 10, 1928. As an expressionist painter of rare intensity, he established himself as a leading figure of the anti-abstract group L’Homme-Témoin, forcefully championing a figurative aesthetic that stood in stark contrast to prevailing trends. Trained at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts under the guidance of Eugène Narbonne, he crossed paths with Maurice Boitel and Marie-Thérèse Auffray, whose influence marked a decisive turning point in his art. Remarkably precocious, he exhibited in a Parisian gallery at just seventeen, immediately sparking enthusiasm from both the public and critics. This meteoric rise quickly secured his place among the major figures of the international art scene.
Distinctive Style and Artistic Legacy
His compositions—still lifes, landscapes, urban scenes—are distinguished by their sharp lines and the pale light seeping from a disenchanted world. His use of black contours and austere palette resonates with the existentialist spirit of the post-war era, capturing the raw melancholy of a tormented century.
In the 1950s, he shared his life with Pierre Bergé, the future partner of Yves Saint Laurent, before marrying writer and actress Annabel Schwob in Saint-Tropez in 1958 , with whom he adopted three children.
As abstract art gained dominance, his work faced increasing criticism. Yet, steadfast in his vision, he refused any compromise. While the art world turned away, the public remained loyal, and his success in Japan reached extraordinary heights. To this day, Galerie Maurice Garnier continues to safeguard his legacy.
Bernard Buffet’s Enduring Connection with Saint-Tropez
Bernard Buffet developed a profound and lasting connection with Saint-Tropez, a bond that deepened over the years. In 1978, after initially exploring the theme of flowers in his work, he presented a series of watercolor paintings of the town at the Maurice Garnier gallery. These works, inspired by the apartment of his long-time muse, Annabel Schwob, in the historic La Ponche district, were filled with light and sea spray. Summers spent there with Annabel and their children left a lasting imprint on Buffet, shaping both his personal and artistic experiences.
The Port of Saint-Tropez: A Dynamic Artistic Landscape
The port of Saint-Tropez, where the deep blue sea meets the sparkling sky, offered Buffet a dramatic setting to explore light and movement. The gentle swaying of the boats and the play of reflections on the water created an almost theatrical scene. Buffet’s depiction of these fleeting moments, filled with Mediterranean warmth and color, transformed the port into a vibrant, dynamic stage. His ability to capture this essence with precision and passion cemented his portrayal of Saint-Tropez as timeless and deeply evocative.
Final Years and Resurgence of Interest
Afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, which progressively robbed him of the use of his hands, Bernard Buffet took his own life at his home in Tourtour on October 4, 1999. From the 1990s onwards, interest in his work saw a resurgence. Today, retrospectives and exhibitions worldwide continue to highlight the timeless power and unwavering singularity of his art.
