L'Oiseau de Feu (The Firebird)
Original lithograph on Arches vellum paper • Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893–1983)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Lyrical Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Color lithography with carborundum engraving style; features bold primary colors, gestural line work, and characteristic splatters
Creation Period
Circa 1963; mid-20th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 50 cm (image/sheet); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
An abstract composition featuring Miró's iconic celestial and zoomorphic iconography. A prominent red diagonal 'bird' figure intersects with a green solar circle and a yellow lunar element, set against a grey wash background with fine black calligraphic lines and splatter accents.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the sheet appears bright with strong color saturation, though the mounting within the frame suggests potential edge-gluing
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,500 - $5,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a commercial gallery or print publisher specializing in 20th-century masters; missing visible edition numbering or signature in this specific photograph
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Miró’s late printmaking period where he blended symbols of the cosmos with spontaneous gestures. His lithographic work is central to making his surrealist vision accessible to a wider audience.
Notable Features
Includes characteristic Miró elements such as the 'star' cross at the top left and a layered 'wash' effect in the grey central rectangle that mimics the texture of his larger paintings.
Condition Issues
Minor ripple in the paper suggests it is not fully flat-mounted; slight yellowing possible at the extreme edges near the mat (hidden); evidence of a small smudge or mark on the white matting at the bottom right.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting. The artwork should be hing-mounted rather than dry-mounted to preserve the integrity of the Arches paper.