Joaquim Mir

Acquired in Barcelona by the grandfather of the present owner probably in the 1920s; thence by descent

The canvas has not been lined. The darkest purple pigments in the trees and in the foliage appear to fluoresce however these certainly appear to correspond to the artist's originals. The artist appears to have strengthened his signature. The work is in very good original condition and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame with floral motifs and a nameplate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Painted in 1918, this verdant, tranquil view of the banks of the Caldes river belongs to Mir's series of paintings of La Magoda near Barcelona. The series, executed between 1915 and 1919, was among Mir's most celebrated, comparable to his Torrent de Pareis series. The owner of the La Mogoda estate was the artist's close friend Juan Antonio Güell y López, second Earl of Güell and third Marquis of Comillas. A prominent businessman, politician, art collector and historian, his father was Eusebi Güell, patron of Antoni Gaudí.

Fully recovered from the earlier breakdown that he had suffered in Mallorca, Mir spent eight happy years in Mollet del Vallés, close to La Mogoda, producing a wealth of wonderfully exuberant and colourful landscapes that reflect his change of spirit, and his renewed interest in capturing the effects of light on nature. Friends with Santiago Rusiñol, Mir's works from this period were received to great acclaim. The year before he painted the present lot, he was awarded the first Medal in the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid.

A similar painting titled Aguas de Moguda and dated 1917 is in the collection of the Reina Sofía Museum, Madrid.