{"id":33605,"date":"2026-02-16T09:17:04","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T09:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/estades.com\/?page_id=33605"},"modified":"2026-03-10T10:51:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:51:36","slug":"lithographies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/bernard-buffet\/lithographies\/","title":{"rendered":"Bernard Buffet and Lithography"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A complete artist, Bernard Buffet did not confine himself to painting. Illustrator, engraver and lithographer, he left a lasting mark on 20th-century lithography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His lithographic work began in 1952 and continues the major themes of his painting: clowns, Venice, Provence, bullfighters, landscapes and literary subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Original Bernard Buffet Lithographs at Galerie Estades<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although lithography faced criticism in the 1980s, this demanding technique is an integral part of <a href=\"\/en\/bernard-buffet\/presentation-bernard-buffet\/\" class=\"linkss\">Bernard Buffet\u2019s oeuvre<\/a>. Particularly rich and diverse, his lithographic production quickly gained international recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michel Estades, a specialist in Bernard Buffet\u2019s work, offers a wide selection of lithographs and provides personalised guidance throughout your acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Galerie Estades exclusively presents original Bernard Buffet lithographs. Most are signed by the artist and referenced in the two volumes of Bernard Buffet Lithographe as well as in the archives of Galerie Maurice Garnier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Galerie Estades has specialised in the work of Bernard Buffet for over twenty years, as well as in modern masters and contemporary figurative art.<br>The gallery is established in Paris, Lyon, Toulon and Baden-Baden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Much Does a Bernard Buffet Lithograph Cost?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The price of a Bernard Buffet lithograph generally ranges between \u20ac2,000 and \u20ac10,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its value depends on several criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the rarity of the edition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the subject depicted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bernard Buffet\u2019s market standing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the condition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the signature and edition numbering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Original, signed and fully referenced lithographs achieve stronger market recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All works presented on the website are exhibited in our galleries.<br>We ship worldwide free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&gt; <\/em><a href=\"\/shop\/lithographies\/\" class=\"linkss\"><em>View Bernard Buffet lithographs available at Galerie Estades&nbsp;<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/bernard-buffet\/cote\/\" class=\"linkss\"><em>&gt; Learn more about Bernard Buffet\u2019s market value<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Recognise an Original Bernard Buffet Lithograph<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">The authenticity of a lithograph is based on several elements:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<p><li>Bernard Buffet\u2019s signature<\/li><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><li>edition numbering<\/li><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><li>total edition size indicated<\/li><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><li>presence of BAT (Bon \u00e0 Tirer), Artist\u2019s Proof (AP) or Hors Commerce (HC)<\/li><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><li>reference in the catalogue raisonn\u00e9<\/li><\/p>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>An expert appraisal is strongly recommended to avoid confusion with offset prints or reproductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Themes in Bernard Buffet\u2019s Lithographs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bernard Buffet created lithographs covering most of the major themes of his painting, as well as more confidential subjects. These include Brittany, Domaine de la Baume, Don Quixote, insects and animals, board games, circus scenes, Japan, bouquets, clowns, still lifes, New York, Paris, the French Revolution, Saint-Tropez, bullfighters, Venice and automobiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Expert Appraisal of a Bernard Buffet Lithograph<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Michel Estades, specialist in Bernard Buffet\u2019s work, discusses the technique through the analysis of a lithograph, focusing particularly on the intensity of colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/x6P2XLF2eQc?si=tTKoXn4b5zMQPoHl\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lithography Technique Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The word lithography derives from the Greek lithos (stone) and graphein (to write): literally \u201cwriting on stone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lithography is a printing technique based on the principle of repulsion between water and grease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The drawing is made on limestone using greasy crayon or ink.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The stone is moistened.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greasy ink is applied with a roller.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ink adheres to the greasy areas and is repelled by the damp surfaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paper is pressed against the stone to produce the print.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The original stone has gradually been replaced by zinc or aluminium plates without fundamentally altering the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Drawing on Stone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The composition is executed directly on the surface using lithographic crayon or ink applied with pen or brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once completed, the stone is placed on the press and moistened for printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The porous limestone retains water. Greasy ink is applied with a rubber roller. Historically, leather rollers were used. The ink adheres to the drawn areas and is repelled elsewhere. Once properly inked, the sheet is placed and run through the press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Colour Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For colour lithographs, each colour requires a separate stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sheet is printed successively for each colour, requiring precise alignment and technical mastery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Edition Justification and Valuation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a multiple artwork, like engraving, a lithograph\u2019s market value depends in part on its rarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its value is determined by the number of impressions, quality of execution, the artist\u2019s market standing and their involvement in the printing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each print is numbered, for example 25\/100, indicating the 25th impression out of 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first approved impression is marked BAT (Bon \u00e0 Tirer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other designations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AP: Artist\u2019s Proof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HC: Hors Commerce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After completion of the edition, the stone is polished to erase the image, ensuring the integrity of the official edition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Many Prints Are in a Lithographic Edition?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike bronze sculpture, there is no legal limit to the number of lithographic impressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the average edition size is around 100. Smaller editions generally increase rarity and therefore value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Beware of Offset Prints<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some works have been reproduced using offset printing, an industrial process visually similar to traditional lithography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confusion may arise between original lithographs and offset reproductions. Buyers should exercise caution and prioritise works sourced from specialised galleries or accompanied by expert certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Expertise in Bernard Buffet Lithographs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With over twenty years of expertise in Bernard Buffet\u2019s work, Galerie Estades assists collectors in acquiring and authenticating original lithographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The works presented are exhibited in our galleries in Paris, Lyon and Toulon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A complete artist, Bernard Buffet did not confine himself to painting. Illustrator, engraver and lithographer, he left a lasting mark on 20th-century lithography. His lithographic work began in 1952 and continues the major themes of his painting: clowns, Venice, Provence,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":33577,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"bb.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-33605","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33605"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33938,"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33605\/revisions\/33938"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estades.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}