BERNARD BUFFET | Clown

Galerie Maurice Garnier, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1968

The canvas is not lined and slightly undulating. There are a few pinholes along the extreme edges. Examination under UV light reveals no evidence of retouching. There are paint losses in places, notably one spot (approx. 1 cm wide) to the model's left-hand shoulder, a further smaller spot towards the lower part of the left edge (approx. 37 cm from the lower edge and 6 cm from the left edge) and another small spot in the black pigment in the lower left quadrant (approx. 63 cm from the lower edge and 31 cm from the left edge). There are some thin lines of craquelure, predominately to the most thickly applied pigment and a few small areas of paint shrinkage, notably in the black pigment. There are a few scattered dots of foxing and varnish appears to have slightly yellowed, predominately to the clown's face and his shirt. The impasto is nice and well preserved. This work is in overall very 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."

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Maurice Garnier.