Depicting a bold and colorful image with a variety of textural qualities, this large work captures the viewer's attention through the use of vibrant saturated hues in strong contrast with black and white. Miró once more encourages the viewer to use his or her imagination to discover meaning and form within his work. Bold black lines delineate what appears to be an elongated face in profile. The viewer can perhaps make out the mouth, nose, and ears of this face, but the form appears androgynous in nature, devoid of any distinct characteristics. The thick, black lines used to delineate the central figure contrast strongly with the patches of vibrant colors scattered throughout the composition. Miró strategically places these bits of color in between, within, and underneath the black outlines of this figure, as if the colors are frolicking amidst the composition while still allowing for a cohesive whole. The use of carborundum adds a textural element to this work, creating a sense of depth by raising the surface and appearing as if streaks of colorless paint were splashed across the paper.

Created in 1973, this color etching and aquatint with carborundum was published by Sala Gaspar, Barcelona and printed by J.J. Torralba, Barcelona on Guarro paper. Signed by Joan Miró in pencil in the lower right, this work is numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil in the lower left with a hand-written dedication in pencil in the lower right.

DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:
1) Dupin, Jacques, Miró Engraver, Vol. II, 1961-73, image listed as cat no 604 on pg 236; discussed on pg. 227.

About the Framing:
Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, this work is set in a sleek contemporary black frame. The dark tone of the framing accentuates the vibrant hues in the image. Completed with white silk wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.