Un August Clown/Mon Cirque

Bernard Buffet (1928 – 1999, French) “Un August” from the “Mon Cirque” Portfolio (1968) Color lithograph on Arches Vellum paper; signed in pen in the lower center and numbered 105/120 in the lower left. Published by Fernand Mourlot, Paris; Catalog Raisonne (literature reference): Charles Sorlier, “Bernard Buffet Lithography, Tome I, No.167. Sheet measurements are 20 x 28.25 inches.
Condition: The work of art is in overall good condition with some mat burn on the edges, some surface soiling in the left margin, two creases, and some adhesive en verso.

The image is one of the artist’s tall and elongated, sorrowful clowns. It is from Buffet’s Clown/Circus series that was published in the “Mon Cirque” book published in 1968. Included with the book were limited edition (120 + artist’s proofs) lithographs. Next to the image in the book is a poem by Buffet titled “Un August” and written by hand in French as follows: Un Auguste; C'est la victime, il le sait, il est la pour ca. Qui aime t'il, pourquoi est-il la? Il fait l'auguste est-ce metiere le sait-il? et nous? on l'aime et lui? (Translation: An August; This is the victim. He knows it. That's what he's here for. Who loves him? Why is he there? He's doing the august-- is it he? and us? We love him -- and he?

August: marked by majestic dignity or grandeur