Joan Miró is one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. He is renowned internationally as a painter, sculptor, printmaker and ceramicist. 

Miró’s works, which were at the intersection between Surrealism and abstraction, began receiving international attention in the 1920’s. Miro had an incredibly prolific career and created artwork in an array of media until the time of his death in 1983. 

A museum dedicated to his work, the , was established in his native city of Barcelona in 1975, and another, the  Foundation, was established in his adoptive city of  in 1981.

Miró’s passionate rejection of traditional painting led him to experiment with multiple styles including Cubism, Dutch Baroque, and Fauvism. His time in Paris in the 1920's and subsequent exposure to Surrealism helped develop his style into the eccentric and symbolic works he is best known for. 

Miró developed a unique visual language by combining abstract elements, specific colors, and reoccurring motifs. His best known period of work began in the early 1960’s where he began receiving many public work commissions. His works are noted for their freshness, body language, and deep meanings. He is an important bridge between Surrealism and abstraction. 

This print is a paradigm of his work and artistic expression. It is from the “Quelques Fleurs” portfolio. The prints in this portfolio were based on watercolors from his book “Je Travaille Comme un Jardiner” (“I Work Like a Gardener”) that were reproduced by Miró as an edition of prints. Each print in this portfolio was dedicated to one of his friends. 

This particular work (#25) is dedicated to Milena Milani (1917-2013). She was an Italian writer, journalist and artist.

Milani was known for her intellectual contributions as a writer and editor and encouraging cultural and intellectual activity, as well as opposition to Fascism in both Italy and France. 

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“Quelques Fleurs pour des Amis: Milani (#25)"

Dedicated "Pour Milena Milani, amicalement", lower right

Lithograph 

France, 1964

From an edition of 150.

15”H 11”W (work)

Printed by Mourlot, Paris and published by Société Internationale d'Art XXe Siècle, Paris

Very good condition.

Note: images of the original portfolio box and colophon page available by request. 

Literature:  William Griswold. . New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 2001.