Bidspirit auction | Joan Miro ”Pygmees Sous la
Joan Miro ”Pygmees Sous la Lune” Etching Aquatint - Joan Miro (Spanish (Catalan), 1893-1983). Etching and aquatint on paper titled ”Pygmees sous la Lune (Pygmies Under the Moon).” Pencil signed along the lower right; editioned ”HC” or hors commerce along the lower left. For a similar example, see: Sotheby's, London, ”Prints & Multiples, ” March 25, 2026, Lot 110. Lot Essay: Joan Miro's early works were influenced by Catalan folk art and Fauvism, but it was his encounter with Surrealism in Paris during the 1920s that profoundly shaped his artistic vision. Embracing the Surrealist ethos of unlocking the subconscious mind, Miro developed a unique visual language characterized by biomorphic forms, dreamlike symbols, and vibrant colors. His paintings, such as ”The Farm” (1921-1922) and ”The Tilled Field” (1923-1924), evoke a sense of poetic spontaneity and primal energy. Throughout his career, Miro continued to innovate, exploring various mediums including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. His experimentation with automatic drawing and spontaneous mark-making liberated his artistic process, allowing for a fluid and intuitive approach to creation. Miro's iconic works, such as ”The Harlequin's Carnival” (1924-1925) and ”The Birth of the World” (1925), exemplify his playful yet profound exploration of form and color. In addition to his artistic achievements, Miro was a committed advocate for social and political causes, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. His art often served as a vehicle for political commentary, expressing solidarity with the oppressed and advocating for peace and freedom. Miro's enduring legacy as a pioneer of Surrealism and a champion of artistic experimentation continues to inspire generations of artists, as his boundless imagination and creative spirit remain as relevant today as ever before. Through his daring exploration of the subconscious and his fearless embrace of spontaneity, Miro transcended artistic conventions, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of modern art. Height: 27 1/2 in x width: 37 1/2 in. Condition: There are no large tears or losses. The colors are bold and bright. The sheet is unevenly toned. There are creases along the upper corners as well as the lower right corner. Light handling marks along the right margin. There is a small possible loss to the sheet along the upper right edge measuring less than 1/4 inch, visible upon close inspection. Light undulation to the sheet. There are two partial linen tape hinges as well as a strip of linen tape along the upper edge of the verso. There is a small and light region of skimming along the center of the verso, visible upon close inspection. The work is not framed.