Original lithograph by Joan Mirò published for an exhibition of the painter in 1973 at the Maeght foundation.  Sheet size: 15 x 22 inches; center fold as issued.
 
Joan Miró (1893 – 1983) was a Spanish artist who worked in painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and tapestry.  He is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, and one of the most prolific.  Initially, Miró was inspired by Spanish folk art and church frescoes, as well as prehistoric art.  After moving to Paris in the early 1920, he became influenced by contemporary sources such as Surrealism, Dadaism, Fauvism and Cubism, but by 1930 developed his own unique style that is known for his use of organic forms, playful shapes, and bright colors that create childlike wonder in his images.  Miró encouraged the use of "automatic drawing", letting the subconscious mind take over when drawing, to free art from conventional methods.  His works are on permanent exhibition in most of the world's major museums, a museum in his hometown of Barcelona is dedicated to the artist and his legacy, the Fundació Joan Miró.  In 1974, Joan Miró, working with Josep Royo, created a vast tapestry for the World Trade Center.  Unfortunately, this 35-foot-wide tapestry was lost on September 11, 2001.