Fleurs dans un vase (Flowers in a Vase) by Bernard Buffet

This is an oil on canvas painting attributed to the renowned French Expressionist artist Bernard Buffet, originating from the 1950s. The artwork exemplifies Buffet's signature 'miserabilist' style, characterized by stark, elongated black outlines and a muted, somber color palette consisting of greys, off-whites, and subtle greens. The composition features a central white vase with delicate floral patterns holding a spray of jagged, angular flowers against a flat, monochromatic grey background. The vase sits upon a surface depicted with rigid horizontal and vertical lines, suggesting a tabletop or tiled area. The brushwork is deliberate and sharp, creating a sense of graphic intensity and existential angst typical of the post-war Parisian art scene. Physically, the painting is housed in a substantial, ornate gilded wooden frame with rococo-style carvings, which contrasts sharply with the austerity of the modern artwork inside. While the image resolution is low, the canvas appears intact, though the frame shows signs of age-related patina and minor wear on the edges. Buffet's work from this period is highly sought after for its unique synthesis of traditional still life and stark modernism. Authentic pieces from this era typically feature the artist's large, spiky signature and date, which are often integrated into the composition.