Joan Miro (1893-1983)
Untitled
Pencil drawing on paper
1959
Signed upper right; dated lower right
8.5 x 7.5 in / 21,6 x 17,8 cm
Framed: 15 x 13.75 in / 38 x 35 cm

Provenance:
Jacques Matarasso 1961
Private Collection, France
By descent to current owner

Often regarded as a founder of surrealism, Miró’s highly individual style employed many techniques that set his work apart from his counterparts, with some pieces even being considered to have been more influenced by Fauvism or Expressionism. However, his desire to express what dwelled in the subconscious led to one of his greatest contributions to the surrealist movement. Automatism, or automatic drawing, was his practice of freely drawing upon the page, creating lines and shapes without preplanning. This unconscious approach meshed well with his unique style of organic forms crafted with sharp lines.

This Untitled piece is typical of many of Miró’s line drawings in this respect. It embodies the thin, sharp lines and improvisational nature that distinguishes his work.

Condition/Comment: Lines have faded

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