Artist: Joan Miro
Title: Affiche pour l'exposition 'Miro' Louisiana, Humlebaek [Denmark]
Medium: Lithograph in Color on Arches
Image size: 26" x 19.25"
Sheet size: 29.5" x 21.5"
Frame size 36" x 27.5"
Edition: Hors de Commerce print apart from the edition of 75 printed by Arte Adrien Maeght
Year: 1974
Inscription: Signed by Miro lower right in pencil. numbered HC in lower left
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Joan Miro's Affiche pour l'exposition 'Miro' Louisiana, Humlebaek is a vibrant lithograph that exemplifies the artist's distinct style, characterized by the use of bold black lines, striking primary colors, and playful, abstract forms. The work was originally created for Miro's exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebaek, Denmark beginning in 1974. This work is a testament to Miro's ability to infuse life into his compositions, transforming simple shapes into dynamic, almost animate beings.
The lithograph was created in 1974 and measures 26" x 19.25" within the image area, while the sheet size expands to 29.5" x 21.5". It is framed at an impressive 36" x 27.5", providing an expansive canvas for the viewer to engage with. The piece is printed on Arches paper, known for its durability and high quality, which enhances the vibrancy of the colors used.
This particular print is an Hors de Commerce (HC) edition and is separate from the main edition of 75 prints produced by Arte Adrien Maeght in Paris. It bears the inscription "HC" in the lower left, and is hand-signed by Miro in the lower right, both in paint and pencil, adding a personal touch from the artist. The bold, black lines of the piece outline areas filled with saturated reds, yellows, and blues, creating a figure that appears almost sentient, with eyes that seem to follow the observer. The work is both playful and intriguing, inviting viewers to contemplate the dynamic between the observer and the observed.
Joan Miro's classic "Affiche pour l'exposition 'Miro' Louisiana, Humlebaek [Denmark]" comes with a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and significance in Miro's extensive body of work.
About Joan Miro
Joan Miro, closely associated with the Surrealist movement, is celebrated for his distinctive artistic language and groundbreaking originality in both painting and printmaking.
Born in 1893 in Spain to a family of craftsmen, Miro's path toward becoming an artist seemed almost predestined. He began his formal artistic education in Barcelona, but in 1919, at the age of 26, he made the pivotal move to Paris. Life in the French capital was challenging for artists during this period, but these hardships may have fueled Miro's creative imagination, driving him to develop the unique visual language that would later define his work.
In Paris, Miro formed a close friendship with André Breton, leading to his association with the Surrealist group, though he never officially joined. Despite a solo exhibition in the early 1920s and participation in group shows, widespread success eluded Miro in his early years. However, his career began to blossom in the 1930s, marking the start of a prolific period that continued until his death.
Miro's art is often described as playful, dynamic, colorful, and linear, with a whimsical quality that evokes a childlike wonder. From the outset, he broke away from traditional painting conventions, creating works that were driven by pure energy and what he described as the "fire of the soul," executed with meticulous care and precision. A pioneer of Automatism, Miro delved into the depths of the human psyche through his art, using color and form to conjure imaginary shapes and symbols. His compositions are intricate, featuring abstract and associative elements like eyes, insect-like creatures, birds, and the delicate moon. Miro's poetic style is instantly recognizable and has been widely celebrated in art history, influencing movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Color Field Painting in the post-war era.
Joan Miro passed away in 1983 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.