Tête au Soleil Couchant (Head at Sunset) - likely plate from the series Ma de Proverbis
Original Color Lithograph on paper. • Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893–1983).
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Abstract Expressionism with elements of Fauvism and Calligraphy.
Medium & Technique
Lithography with bold gestural brushstrokes and fine-line drawing. The technique involves greasy ink on stone or zinc plate, characterized by flat fields of color and thick, kalligraphic black lines.
Creation Period
Circa 1970 (Specifically identifying with the 1970 series released by Polígrafa).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 76 x 56 cm (sheet size); Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
An anthropomorphic figure or 'head' rendered in abstract forms. Central features include a large ovoid shape representing a face, a red circle suggestive of a sun or mouth, and a green celestial-like body. The composition uses Miró's signature iconographic language including the asterisk star, loops, and grid-like understructures.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good. The paper appears flat with no major visible foxing or water damage, though there is potential light-shifting reflected in the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $12,000 USD (subject to edition number and authentication).
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000 USD.
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a professional gallery or print publisher. Miró's late prints were frequently published in editions of 75-150 by houses like Maeght or Polígrafa.
Art Historical Significance
Miró was a pioneer of the lithographic medium in the 20th century. This work illustrates his late-period obsession with spontaneous gesture and the simplification of his symbolic universe into bold, primary-colored icons.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic 'Miró star' (asterisk) on the left side and a vibrant green 'sun' or 'planet' in the upper left. The thick, painterly application of the black ink contrasts sharply with the delicate graphite-like lines.
Condition Issues
Possible light tanning to the paper edges (mat burn) and minor ink fading if displayed in direct UV light. Some glare in the photograph obscures the lower-left corner detail.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, archival materials and protected by UV-filtering museum glass. Avoid hanging in high-humidity areas or direct sunlight.