Joaquín Mir

Private collection, Barcelona, circa 1945; thence by descent

Original canvas. Not retouched. Apart from a handful of minor vertical lines of craquelure, notably in the blue facade top centre (just visible in the catalogue illustration), this work is in excellent condition, with pristine original thick impastos.
"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."

Plaza de Pau Casals, Vilanova, a hitherto unrecorded painting, is an outstanding example of the artist's late style, in which his balanced compositions show both an increased sense of realism and bold contrasts of light and shadow.

Mir's fascination with colour dominated his artistic development since becoming a member of La Colla del Safrà, when he suppressed black from his compositions and turned to blue, carmine and emerald. In Vilanova, where he moved in 1922 after his marriage, Mir found a reassuring rhythm to his daily routine and a peace of mind that provided him with a familiar structure in which to explore fully his lifelong fascination with colour.

Well-established as an artist, Mir hosted various artists and musicians at his villa. This combination of activity and tranquillity gave consistency and fluidity to his work, and local life in Vilanova was a source of frequent inspiration to him.

A smaller oil sketch of this subject, dedicated to Pau Casals, is in the Pau Casals Foundation in Barcelona.