Ubu Roi (Plate from the series)
Original lithograph on paper • Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893–1983)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Abstract Expressionism with a focus on 'Peinture-Poésie' (Painting-Poetry)
Medium & Technique
Color lithography with wax crayon or pastel accents. The technique involves a heavy application of black lithographic ink for the primary forms with secondary applications of color in red, blue, and yellow.
Creation Period
circa 1966
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 42 x 54 cm (image size), landscape format
Subject Description
The composition features three anthropomorphic figures rendered in a playful, biomorphic style characteristic of Miró's interpretation of Alfred Jarry's 'Ubu Roi'. Centrally, a large ovoid head with simplified facial features is flanked by two totem-like figures. The narrative centers on the grotesque and absurd nature of power as depicted in Jarry's play, utilizing a vocabulary of primitive shapes and whimsical lines.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paper appears bright with crisp colors, though minor light staining from the matting may be present and some rippling of the sheet indicates it is not currently adhered.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $6,000 USD
Provenance History
The print bears an edition mark 'e.a.' (Epreuve d'Artiste) and a distinct graphite signature. Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in 20th-century European masters.
Art Historical Significance
Miró's 'Ubu Roi' series is a cornerstone of his graphic output, demonstrating his lifelong interest in the intersection of literature and visual art. It represents his mature style where the 'assassination of painting' was replaced by a sophisticated, childlike graphic language that influenced both Surrealist and Pop Art circles.
Notable Features
Includes the artist's hand-signed signature in pencil lower right; marked 'e.a.' lower left indicating an artist proof; contains cataloging numbers 'C 192' and '4200' in the margins, likely referring to a specific gallery inventory or the Cramer 'Miró Litógrafo' catalogue raisonné.
Condition Issues
Possible minor oxidation of the paper edges (foxing) not visible under the frame; slight buckling of the paper due to humidity or mounting method; archival quality of the current matting is unknown and could lead to acid burn.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend examination out of frame by a paper conservator to ensure the use of acid-free materials; replace existing glass with UV-filtering acrylic to prevent fading of the colored pigments; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.