Original lithograph "L'Ete" (The Summer) by Joan Miró, printed in Paris by Mourlot Frères in 1938. For over 150 years, Mourlot was almost synonymous lithography, producing work of such excellent quality that it was clear they had attained the height of printing mastery.  While the studio closed in 1999, the works and the process established since its inception remain accessible via prints such as this.  Among the many prints published in Verve Number 3, four artists (Chagall, Miró, Rattner and Klee) were commissioned to contribute compositions representing the four seasons, with Miró's being Summer.  Our copy of Verve Number 3 is exquisite, with intact interleaf sheets, and the print is in mint condition. Verso titled, dated and signed in stone, along with the print being signed in stone lower left. Print size: 14 x 10 inches.

Joan Miró (1893 – 1983) was a Spanish artist who worked in painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and tapestry.  He is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, and one of the most prolific.  Initially, Miró was inspired by Spanish folk art and church frescoes, as well as prehistoric art.  After moving to Paris in the early 1920, he became influenced by contemporary sources such as Surrealism, Dadaism, Fauvism and Cubism, but by 1930 developed his own unique style that is known for his use of organic forms, playful shapes, and bright colors that create childlike wonder in his images.  Miró encouraged the use of "automatic drawing", letting the subconscious mind take over when drawing, to free art from conventional methods.  His works are on permanent exhibition in most of the world's major museums, a museum in his hometown of Barcelona is dedicated to the artist and his legacy, the Fundació Joan Miró.  In 1974, Joan Miró, working with Josep Royo, created a vast tapestry for the World Trade Center.  Unfortunately, this 35-foot-wide tapestry was lost on September 11, 2001.