Description:Wonderfully lively and whimsical in nature, this work exemplifies Miró's ability to create a playful, surrealist composition full of movement and imagination. The bright colors are arranged nicely in a minimally drawn space, with the central composition of a red shape echoes that of a butterfly. A bright spot of pink and Miró's iconic starburst can be seen along with a curious figure with a top hat in blue and green.
Created as part of a 14-page illustrated book of poetry by a group of young blind people selected by André Pieyre de Mandiargues, Le plus beau cadeau is a stunning etching and aquatint hand signed by Joan Miró (1893 - 1983) in the lower right margin. Out of the total edition of 80, this piece is numbered 56/80 in pencil in the lower left margin and printed on Arches paper by Robert and Lydie Dutrou, Parly (France) . The corresponding poem of this piece, titled Le petit escargot (The Little Snail) , accompanies the work attached on the verso of the frame.
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. Cramer, Patrick. Joan Miró, The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonné, Patrick Cramer Publisher: Geneva, 1989. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 225 on pgs. 552-3.
2. Dupin, Jacques. Miró Engraver Vol. IV 1976 - 1983, Daniel Lelong Editeur: Paris, 2001. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1209 on pg. 172.
About the Framing:
Framed with museum-quality archival materials, this work is mounted in a modern black and gold moulding. The bold colors of this Spanish-style frame accentuates the natural hi-lights within the works with its undulating sculptural elements. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats, and a matching gold inner fillet, Le Plus Beau Cadeau is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
