Original Lithograph
Bernard Buffet
French, 1928–1999
Tournesols et melon
1955
Limited Edition — 46/125
Hand-signed in pencil
Edition & Publisher Note
Numbered 46/125 | Galerie Beyeler & Mourlot Studio
An iconic 1955 mid-century still life printed on fine BFK Rives wove paper (with watermark). Published by Galerie Beyeler, Basel and expertly printed at the legendary Atelier Mourlot, Paris (Catalogue Raisonné reference: Mourlot, 11). Hand-signed in pencil lower right and numbered 46/125 lower left.
Sheet Size: 30.3 × 22.0 in (77 × 56 cm)
Image Size: 25.2 × 18.9 in (64 × 48 cm)
Medium: Original Color Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper (with Watermark)
Publisher & Printer: Galerie Beyeler, Basel / Atelier Mourlot, Paris
Condition: Very good vintage condition overall. Vibrant colors and exceptionally strong ink saturation throughout the printed area. Light age-related toning, minor foxing spots, and matting/framing marks along the extreme outer margins (from previous framing), strictly confined to the blank borders and completely outside the image area.
Signature & Edition: Hand-signed in pencil lower right "Bernard Buffet"; numbered 46/125 in pencil lower left.
Created in 1955, Tournesols et melon stands as one of Bernard Buffet’s most celebrated graphic masterpieces from his vital post-war period. Featuring sharp, angular spiky sunflowers in a tall vase paired with a sliced melon against a vivid orange hatched background, the work embodies Buffet’s definitive graphic style—bold black contours, nervous linear tension, and profound melancholy elegance.
A rare, highly desirable early Mourlot edition print on watermarked BFK Rives paper, representing a landmark release for collectors of mid-century French Expressionism.
Hand-signed and numbered in pencil by Bernard Buffet, guaranteeing complete authenticity and premium value for fine art collectors.
Reference: Mourlot, No. 11
