“Autoportrait n° 11” is a self-portrait by the expressionist artist Bernard Buffet, created in 1981. This work of art embodies the expressionist movement through its emotional intensity and graphic style. The genre of the painting is a self-portrait, which typically explores the artist’s own psyche and self-perception.
The artwork features a gaunt, angular face that dominates the canvas. The artist’s use of dark, contrasting lines to outline the facial features creates a stark, almost haunting effect. The eyes stare directly at the viewer, deep-set and shadowed, suggesting an intense inner life or turmoil. The skin tones are muted and earthy, complemented by the use of black to emphasize the contours of the face and the clothing. A golden-yellow background surrounds the figure, providing a warm yet jarring contrast to the somber tones of the figure itself. Visible brushstrokes add texture and movement to the backdrop, highlighting the emotional charge of the piece.
The artist’s signature and the year of creation, “1981,” are prominently displayed, adding a personal and authenticating touch to the painting. This portrait stands as a testament to Bernard Buffet’s expressionist style, which often involved an element of distortion and a strong emotional undercurrent.
