L'Oiseau de Feu (The Firebird)
Original Color Lithograph on paper. • Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893–1983).
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Mid-Century Modern Abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography with bold black linear brushwork and primary color fields. Techniques include flat color application and spattering (crachis) for background texture.
Creation Period
Circa 1963.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 56 x 76 cm (sheet size); Landscape format.
Subject Description
An abstract, totemic composition featuring a bird-like figure rendered in thick black calligraphic lines. It incorporates Miró's signature lexicon of shapes: primary colored geometric fields (red, yellow, blue, green), a central 'bird' silhouette, and a purple scribbled constellation or sun. The background is characterized by a beige-grey tone with intentional ink splatters.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors appear vibrant though the paper may show light toning consistent with its age.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,000 USD (assuming a signed and numbered edition).
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $6,000 USD.
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a fine art gallery or print publisher. Part of an edition published by Maeght Éditeur, Paris, a frequent collaborator with the artist.
Art Historical Significance
A premier example of Miró’s late printmaking period, demonstrating his mastery of lithography as a primary medium rather than a reproduction tool. It reflects his interest in primitive signs, calligraphy, and poetic abstraction.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of 'crachis' (splatter technique) in the background and the characteristic bold, fluid black strokes that define the artist's mature 'child-like' graphic style.
Condition Issues
Possible light-strike yellowing at the edges; minor cockling of the paper due to humidity or improper mounting behind glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Verify if the mounting is acid-free. Recommend reframing with UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting to prevent further oxidation.
Collector Notes
Purchase