Appropriately entitled Le Vieil Irlandais (The Old Irish), this marvelous work draws us in with its vibrant green background, bold black lines, and rich sense of texture conveyed through the use of carborundum. The carborundum in this particular piece is extraordinary - one of the best examples that we have witnessed in our gallery. 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, as the image extends beyond the plate mark, reaching the extreme sheet edge. Bold black lines convey a curious figure, who almost appears to have eyes, gazing out at us. Miró's playful star and arrow-like forms flit about against a bright kelly green background. The entire composition is instilled with a sense of frenetic energy and animation, almost as if Miró had splashed paint onto the surface, instilling this print with a life all its own.

This work is a carborundum etching and aquatint, which was a technique that Miró frequented in his work. Carborundum is a silicon and carbon compound that is used for a variety of functions but can also be used to create prints.  Carborundum printing creates gradient tones and sandy textures and is difficult to use. Miró is one of the few artists who mastered this medium.

Created in 1969, Joan Miró Le Vieil Irlandais (The Old Irish), 1969 is an Aquatint, etching, and carborundum on Arches paper. This work is hand-signed by Joan Miró (Barcelona, 1893 - Palma, 1983) in pencil in the lower right margin. Numbered from the edition of 75 and some H.C. (hors commerce impressions).

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Joan Miró Le Vieil Irlandais (The Old Irish), 1969 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 sale of the work).

1. Dupin, Jacques. Joan Miró Engraver, Vol. II, 1961-1973. Paris: Maeght Editeur, 1977. Listed and illustrated as catalog raisonné no. 521 on pg. 169.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Joan Miró Le Vieil Irlandais (The Old Irish), 1969 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.