Overview
The artwork displays Bernard Buffet's characteristic heavy black outlines and is signed and dated '65. However, the seller's claim of 'original oil on canvas' conflicts with visual evidence.
Identification
Bernard Buffet "La Coccinelle" (Ladybug) Artwork (Likely Lithograph)
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Bernard Buffet was a prominent French Expressionist painter and a founding member of the anti-abstract art group L'homme Témoin. This work depicts 'La Coccinelle' (The Ladybug), a subject he famously explored in his 1964/65 'Les Insectes' series. The market for Bernard Buffet's original paintings remains robust, particularly for his signature expressionist subjects from the 1950s and 1960s.
Maker / Origin
Bernard Buffet
Condition & Value
Based on the visible photos, the artwork appears well-preserved within its mat and frame. As an assumed original oil, the surface condition, presence of impasto, and stability of the canvas or board support are critical factors; no obvious paint loss or severe craquelure is visible from the provided front-facing image.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for Bernard Buffet's original paintings remains robust, particularly for his signature expressionist subjects from the 1950s and 1960s. 'Les Insectes' is a well-known theme for the artist, and original oils of these subjects command significant premiums over their widely circulated lithograph counterparts. Buyers at this price point are highly selective regarding condition, provenance, and definitive authentication.
Value Drivers
▲ User confirmation of original oil medium unlocks the highest valuation tier for this image.
▲ Iconic 1965 'Les Insectes' subject matter is highly recognizable to Buffet collectors.
▲ Signature and date ('65) align perfectly with the period of the original series.
Concerns
▼ Lack of a Galerie Maurice Garnier certificate of authenticity; major auction houses will not sell the work as an original without it.
▼ Unverified dimensions; if the work is a miniature rather than standard canvas size, the value would scale down accordingly.
▼ Unverified verso; missing gallery labels or provenance history could deter top-tier collectors.
Best Venue
To realize the $15,000+ value of an original Buffet oil, definitive authentication is mandatory. Submit the artwork to the Galerie Maurice Garnier (the recognized authority for Buffet) for a certificate of authenticity. Once certified, consign to a major international auction house (e. g., Christie's, Sotheby's, or Artcurial) in a Post-War & Contemporary Art sale.
Upside Potential
If the artwork is accompanied by a Galerie Maurice Garnier certificate of authenticity, possesses strong unbroken provenance back to the 1960s, and is of a substantial size (e. g., larger than the 10x13 inch canvasboard comp), it could exceed the $22,000 high estimate at a premier contemporary art auction.
Authenticity Risk
highBernard Buffet is a heavily forged artist, and his 'Les Insectes' series was widely reproduced as lithographs. Because the user has instructed us to assume this is an original oil painting despite visual framing cues typical of prints, the risk of misidentification or forgery is paramount. A certificate from Galerie Maurice Garnier is strictly required to clear this risk before any high-value sale.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
- Ketterer KunstBernard Buffet - Coccinelle, 1964Link could not be verified.$1,190