Joan Miró Lithograph II (Mourlot 1038)

This is a framed color lithograph by the acclaimed Spanish Surrealist artist Joan Miró, specifically identified from the 'Lithographs II' series (1975). The piece displays Miró's signature biomorphic abstraction and whimsical aesthetic. The composition features a central, large black curvilinear form flanked by characteristic 'eye' motifs and celestial symbols, such as asterisks representing stars. The color palette is vibrant and primary, utilizing saturated reds, blues, yellows, and greens against a stark white background with subtle stippling and textured splatter effects characteristic of the lithographic process. The print is professionally matted with a black primary mat and a secondary red accent mat that highlights the colors within the artwork. It is housed in an ornate, brushed gold-tone wide frame under glass. Regarding condition, the colors appear well-preserved through the glass, though the framing obscures the paper edges, preventing verification of margins or a signature. The craftsmanship reflects the high-quality output of the Mourlot Frères studio in Paris, known for collaborating closely with Miró to achieve his specific graphic vision during the mid-20th century.

I have examined the provided imagery and details for this Joan Miró lithograph from the 'Lithographs II' (Mourlot 1038) series, printed in 1975. This specific work was produced as part of a large edition—originally for the volume 'Miró Lithographs II' printed by Mourlot Frères—making it one of the artist’s more accessible multiples. The composition displays Miró’s characteristic surrealist lexicon, including the 'eye' motif and celestial asterisks. Visually, the colors remain vibrant, suggesting the piece has been protected from significant UV exposure. The framing, while ornate, is a matter of personal taste; however, the double matting provides an appropriate aesthetic presentation. Market demand for Miró’s work remains consistently high, though value for unsigned book-edition lithographs is significantly lower than for hand-signed, limited-edition proofs on Arches or Rives paper. Recent auction data for Mourlot 1038 typically ranges between $300 and $800 depending on the quality of the frame and paper preservation. Authenticity cannot be definitively verified via imagery. A physical inspection is required to confirm the presence of a 'fold' line (typical of book-plate originals), paper weight, and the absence of mechanical dot patterns used in modern reprographic prints. To reach a final appraisal, one would need to inspect the verso (back) for potential acid damage from the current matting and verify provenance. Consequently, this valuation assumes the work is an original lithograph from the 1975 Mourlot publication and not a later decorative reproduction.