Joan Miró Signed and Numbered Lithograph, 'La Lune Bleue' (from the Le Marteau sans Maître series)

This item is an original color lithograph by the renowned Spanish Surrealist artist Joan Miró, likely dating to the mid-1970s. The artwork features Miró's signature abstract vocabulary, characterized by bold primary colors—vibrant reds, yellows, and blues—interspersed with deep green and heavy black curvilinear forms. A defining feature is the juxtaposition of solid color blocks against intricate, energetic scribbles and stippled dot patterns in black ink, creating a sense of movement and depth. The composition is centered on high-quality woven white paper, displaying a clean margin. Notable markings include a hand-signed signature 'Miró' in pencil located in the lower right corner, and a limited edition numbering in the lower left, appearing to be '126/150'. The piece is professionally housed in a minimalist black frame under glass, with a wide white mat. The condition appears excellent with no visible signs of foxing, fading, or paper waviness, though a full inspection outside the frame is required to confirm the integrity of the paper edges and potential mounting residue. The craftsmanship reflects the sophisticated lithographic techniques used by Miró during his later career, specifically those produced at reputable workshops like Maeght.

Based on my examination of this color lithograph from the 'Le Marteau sans Maître' series, the work displays the hallmark characteristics of Joan Miró’s mature graphic style from the mid-1970s. The vibrant palette of primary colors combined with textured black gestural marks and stippling is consistent with his collaborations with the Maeght studio. The hand-signed signature 'Miró' and edition numbering '126/150' appear consistent with known authentic examples in terms of placement and pencil pressure. The condition appears exemplary, showing no signs of light-induced fading or foxing, which is crucial for maintaining the secondary market value of works on paper. Currently, the market for Miró’s late-career lithographs remains robust, with higher premiums placed on pieces featuring his iconic celestial motifs and high-contrast color blocks. Comparable sales for medium-to-large editioned works from this specific series typically range between $4,000 and $7,000 depending on the freshness of the paper. However, this appraisal is based on a visual digital inspection and carries significant limitations. A physical examination is required to verify the 'Arches' or 'Rives' watermark and to check for hidden damage, such as hinge staining or acidic mat burn on the reverse. Furthermore, full authentication requires a provenance review or a certificate from a recognized authority such as the Association pour la Défense de l'Œuvre de Joan Miró. Without inspecting the paper's deckled edges and fiber structure outside of the frame, I cannot definitively rule out sophisticated modern reproductions.