
Bernard Buffet (1928-1999)
Magny, le château Valois
The Architecture of Melancholy.
Bernard Buffet was the architect of post-war existentialism. He turned sadness into a signature style, defining an era with his sharp, razor-like lines and muted palette.
Painted in 1976, Magny, le château Valois is a portrait of absolute silence. It is a winter landscape where a majestic mansion stands frozen, waiting for a spring that might never come. The naked trees, the snow-covered roofs, the stark geometry—Buffet finds a haunting beauty in desolation. He does not just paint a house; he paints the sensation of time standing still.
Why it matters: Buffet is currently undergoing a massive critical market re-evaluation. This work captures the essence of his mature period: cold, precise, and devoid of unnecessary noise. A perfect asset for a collection focused on structural rigor.
Details:
Oil on canvas.
89.2 x 130.5 cm (35 ⅛ x 51 ⅜ in).
Signed Bernard Buffet (upper left) and dated 1976.
Market Context:
Auction: Christie’s, London.
Date: 17 Oct 2025.
Estimate: £70,000.