Bernard Buffet, Deauville, 1961

Bernard BUFFET, Beach of Saint-Cast le Guildo, 1961 Oil painting on canvas.
Original work. Certificate of authenticity from the Maurice Garnier Gallery.
Bernard Buffet is one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. A significant part of his work is devoted to beaches and the sea. Many of his oils are Breton-inspired, like this one. Only three years after painting this oil on canvas, Bernard Buffet bought “La Vallée”, a Belle Époque-inspired villa in the seaside village of Saint-Cast where he went on vacation during his childhood. The master settled there and worked there until 1970, five years during which he lived alternately between Côtes d’Armor and Paris. Saint-Cast le Guildo is not an insignificant place. Beach games from the age of 7 have marked his memories there. It is also the place where, in 1945, his mother fell ill before dying of a brain tumor. Brittany will have accompanied Buffet throughout his life. For better and for worse. He will remain faithful to her until his death.