Description:The grand scale of this work cannot be ignored, as its bold, bright colors burst from the sheet to create a moving and complex work signature of Joan Miró’s extensive œuvre. Le Grand Ordonnateur is a monumental piece whose abstract, rectangular forms work in combination with splashes of green, orange, and red; each element coexists in perfect harmony, echoing a geometric, surrealist composition that leaves us both bewildered and amazed. A small, curious face appears at the top of the rectangular element, perhaps the mastermind behind The Big Organizer and its grand plan. Inherent to the piece is a whimsical, childlike element that Miró instills in his use of color combined with his carefree stroke and clever use of form. This is a Miró to be viewed in person, as its surface and textural quality cannot be duly translated through digital photography. The size of the piece adds to the overall effect of the work; the image extends beyond the plate mark along the lower left and bottom margin, reaching the extreme sheet edge.
Created in 1969, this etching & aquatint with Carborundum is signed in pencil by Joan Miró (1893-1983) in the lower right and lettered H.C. (hors commerce or artist’s proof) in pencil in the lower left. Published by Maeght éditeur, Paris and printed by Morsang, Paris on Arches wove paper, this work is lettered H.C. (hors commerce or artist’s proof) in pencil in the lower left (a proof aside from the edition of 75, signed and numbered).
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work):
1. Dupin, Jacques. Miró Engraver, vol. II 1961 – 1973, Rizzoli: New York, 1989. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 503 on pg. 151.
2. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Miró – l’œuvre graphique, Paris, 1974. Listed in this catalogue raisonné as cat. no. 147 on pg. 46.
About the Framing:
Set in an Art Deco inspired gold frame, the geometric and leaf-like detailing of the moulding compliments the meandering curved shapes within the image. The gold coloration of the frame with bronze highlights also serves to enhance the contrasting colors within the piece. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats with a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.
