Joan Miro (1893-1983) - L'Issue dérobée

Joan Miró i Ferrà
The Stolen Issue, 1974
Original drypoint executed in mixed media technique —drypoint and aquatint in colors—, made in Paris in 1974 as part of the graphic project conceived by Joan Miró for L’Issue dérobée, with texts by poet and art critic Jacques Dupin.
The work is signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right corner and numbered “H.C.” —hors-commerce— in the lower left margin. It is one of the few out-of-commerce copies, belonging to a restricted edition of only 20 H.C. proofs, a circumstance that markedly increases its rarity and appeal within the Miró graphic market.
The composition constitutes a particularly refined expression of the language developed by the artist during his mature period. On a white, open space unfolds a complex architecture of black lines, ascending curves, arrows, stellar signs and small orbital shapes. These elements traverse the surface with apparent spontaneity, but respond to a visual balance carefully constructed.
The linear structure is articulated by broad enveloping strokes that cross horizontally the image and dialog with a sequence of chromatic nuclei of great intensity: bright yellow, earthy red, pink, orange and a deep dark green. In the lower area, numerous splashes and green stains introduce an organic and atmospheric dimension, like a vegetal constellation that contrasts with the incisive precision of the black lines.
The drypoint provides the drawing with a direct, material vibration, especially visible in the irregular delicacy of the strokes, while the aquatint allows the creation of diffused, luminous, suspended color fields on the paper. The result is an image of pronounced poetic freedom, in which Miró transforms elemental signs into an imaginary universe populated by figures, stars and ascending movements.
Copy printed on Vélin d’Arches paper, preserved untrimmed, with full margins and the original fringing visible.
Sheet size: 502 × 325 mm.
Framed size: 60 × 64 cm.
The condition is excellent. The work is free from foxing and retains notable chromatic freshness, with pigments intense and well defined. The paper maintains a uniform tone and good structural stability.
Work documented in Patrick Cramer, Catalogue raisonné des livres illustrés, p. 460, no. 187.
A piece of notable rarity and great graphic richness, representative of the most free, lyrical and experimental Miró of the mid-1970s.