Bernard Buffet

Galerie d'Art Les Salles du Palais, Geneva
Acquired from the above by the present owner circa 1990s

The board is stable. There is a milky varnish preventing the UV light from fully penetrating, however UV examination reveals a few small spots of retouching to the black pigment in the upper right quadrant and two spots to the skull's proper right eye. This work is in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Within Vanité, painted in 1983, Bernard Buffet presents a compelling meditation on the nature of mortality, a rare subject within the artist’s œuvre. With its striking conglomeration of specific motifs – the skull, fruit, crucifix and the word ‘soir’ prominently featured, all symbols of transience – Vanité stands as a powerfully constructed aide memoire, whilst also providing a modern twist on the Vanitas concept, a theme which had originally recurred within the work of seventeenth century Dutch painters.