Joan Miró

Private Collection, France (and sold: Claude Aguttes, Paris, December 21, 2007, lot 162)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Michel Leiris, Bagatelles Végétales, illustration of the lithograph p. 17

Executed on two sheets of cream wove paper, overlaid and taped to a window mat at upper corners on the verso. The top sheet is intentially burned in several places, including 1 by 2 inch hole was formed toward lower left. The bottom sheet is painted in the areas visible as a result of the burning. Both sheets are printed with text and appear to be from Michel Leiris books. Apart from some very minor time darkening to the versos of the sheets, the work is in excellent condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work was executed in 1956 for the book Bagatelles Végétales by Michel Leiris published in 1956 by Jean Aubier. Born from a close collaboration between the three men, and considered as one of the finest illustrated book of the twentieth century, this book confronts Miro’s poetic works with the imaginative texts of Leiris, who plays around with words and creates a new language.