L'Oiseau au plumage bigarré (The Bird with Varied Plumage)
Print on Arches paper • Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893–1983)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Mid-Century Modernism / Lyrical Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Color lithograph with additional wash and splatter (crachis) effects typical of the artist's printmaking style
Creation Period
Circa 1970-1972
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 76 x 56 cm (29.9 x 22 in); Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
The composition features a central, biomorphic black figure resembling a stylized bird or figure, a recurring motif in Miró's universe. It is embellished with geometric shapes in primary and secondary colors (blue, red, green, yellow). The work utilizes 'crachis' (splattering) techniques that create a cosmic, atmospheric background, with celestial symbols such as stars and astral dots floating around the central figure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good - The print shows visible signs of age including minor yellowing of the paper and light foxing (small brown spots) in the upper margins; archival mounting tape is visible on the edges.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,000 USD (depending on sheet size and paper condition)
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $6,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a gallery or private collection specializing in mid-century masters. Numbered '83/150' in the lower-left, indicating a mid-sized limited edition print run.
Art Historical Significance
Miró's late lithographs represent his mastery of combining spontaneous mark-making with graphic precision. This specific imagery is part of his 'Oiseaux' (Birds) series which explored the relationship between earth-bound creatures and the infinite sky, a central pillar of his poetic visual language.
Notable Features
Hand-signed in pencil by 'Miró' in the lower-right; numbered '83/150' in pencil in the lower-left; the 'crachis' technique exhibits the characteristic 'splash' effect that Miró used to convey energy and movement.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing throughout the blank fields of the paper; tape residue and adhesive marks on the top, bottom, and side edges where it was previously hinged; minor evidence of light-staining from long-term exposure to UV.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator to remove foxing and old adhesive tape. Should be framed using museum-grade UV-protective glass and acid-free mats to prevent further acidification of the Arches paper.