Joan Miró

Perls Galleries, New York
Mr. & Mrs. H. Gates Lloyd (acquired in 1982 and sold: Sotheby's, New York, May 12, 1994, lot 218)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

José Pierre & José Corredor-Matheos, Céramiques de Miró et Artigas, Paris, 1974, no. 53, illustrated p. 64

Surface is slightly dirty. Some minor nicks and stains to the surface. 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.

Executed in 1956, Figurine is the product of Miró's fruitful collaboration with the ceramacist, Joseph Llorens Artigas. It is one of two hundred ceramics Miró and Artigas produced in Galliffa, north of Barcelona, where the artists drew inspiration from the rocky landscape. As Miró stated, "Our work sprang directly from the landscape. It became part of it, so that when we put some ceramics out of doors they immediately became one with nature" (Rosamond Bernier, Miró/Artigas, Terres de Grand Feu, New York, 1985, n.p.).

This profound relationship with nature is reflected in the present work, whose ceramic elements exhibit the rough, porous quality of the local stone. Part sculpture, part found object, Figurine is an exquisite illustration of the whimsical direction that Miró would continue to explore successfully throughout the later part of his career.