Joan Miró, Maja Negra, 1973

Artist: Joan Miró (1893 - 1983)
Title:Maja Negra, 1973
Reference:Dupin 577
Medium:Aquatint, etching, and carborundum on Arches paper.
Image Size:54 1/4 in x 23 1/4 in (138 cm x 60.5 cm)
Sheet Size:54 1/4 in x 23 1/4 in (138 cm x 60.5 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 50, and some H.C. (hors commerce impressions).
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Joan Miro (Barcelona, 1893 - Palma, 1983) in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition: This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-7057

Historical Description

Maja Negra, 1973 is an alluring showcasing of Joan Miró’s mastery over shape and form. A mysterious black figure looms forth from the center of this monumental horizontal composition. Aptly entitled Maja Negra, meaning “Black Magic,” this work relays a sense of the otherworldly. Curved black forms appear as arms, further relaying the impression that this enigmatic figure is reaching out towards us, drawing us in to its world of black magic. Simple white lines denote a cryptic face, as a blue crescent moon and softly splattered lines define the background. While bold black coloration dominates the center of the composition, Miró utilizes his trademark splashes of primary colors to lighten the mood of this mystical piece, contributing an almost playful element to this work. Miró enhances the textural effects of this print with the use of carborundum, adding a subtle element of relief that further complements his fanciful imagery.

This work is a carborundum etching and aquatint, which was a technique that Miró frequented in his work. Carborundum is a silicon and carbon compound that is used for a variety of functions but can also be used to create prints.  Carborundum printing creates gradient tones and sandy textures. Miró is one of the few artists who mastered this medium.

Created in 1973, Joan Miró Maja Negra is an Aquatint, etching and carborundum on Arches paper. This work is hand-signed by Joan Miró (Barcelona, 1893 - Palma, 1983) in pencil in the lower right margin. Numbered from the edition of 50 and some H.C. (hors commerce impressions).

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Joan Miró Maja Negra, 1973 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Dupin, Jacques. Joan Miró Engraver, Vol. II, 1961-1973. Paris: Maeght Editeur, 1977. Listed and illustrated as catalog raisonné no. 577 on pg. 213.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Joan Miró Maja Negra, 1973 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.