Lot 171
  • 171

Joaquín Mir Barcelona 1873-1940

Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Joaquín Mir
  • Santa María, Maspujols (A View of Santa Maria, Maspujols)
  • signed J. Mir l.r.

  • oil on canvas

  • 91 by 100.5cm., 35¾ by 39½in.

Provenance

Private Collection, Barcelona
Purchased by the present owner from the above in the 1980s

Literature

Enric Jardi, Joaquim Mir, Barcelona, 1989, p. 117, no. 110, illustrated
Enric Jardi, Joaquim Mir, Barcelona, 1991, p. 155, no. 19, illustrated
Francesc Miralles, Joaquim Mir al Camp de Tarragona, Museu D' Art Modern, Tarragona, 1998, p. 179, no. 99, catalogued and illustrated

Condition

Original canvas. There is a spot of retouching to the centre of the right edge corresponding to a small repair in the canvas, a horizontal line of retouching (approx. 2cm. long) also corresponding to a small repair in the canvas, a spot in the lower left corner (visible to the naked eye), and a few further scattered strokes elsewhere. Apart from some signs of craquelure the paint surface is overall in good condition with bright colours and fine impasto throughout. Held in a plaster moulded reddened gilt wood frame.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Stylised yet real, the foreground bordering on abstraction, this work is a fine example of the transition period between Mir's stay in Mallorca (1900-1904) and settling near Tarragona (1905-1914).

Mir had abandoned himself to colour whilst exploring the landscapes of Mallorca. His experiments led him to extravagant and nearly abstract compositions which stopped abruptly after an accident at the coast.

It was only after two years that Mir recovered and started to paint again, his works reflecting a sober interpretation of the light and colour of the picturesque landscape of Tarragona.

In this view of Maspujols, a subject Mir would return to on succeeding occasions, the saffron tones melt with vibrant hues of green and blue, and the fields are transformed into patterns of colour and light. However, the village in the background, especially the church tower, offer a moment of rest to the eye, a calming point for an artist trying to regain his inner stability.