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Joan Miro (1893-1983)

Joan Miro Carborundum Etching Signed and Numbered

Joan Miro signed and numbered etching, aquatint, and carborundum titled Prise À L’Hamecon (Catch With the Hook), 1969. This work is on Arches paper and is numbered 39/75 in pencil lower left and hand signed Miro in pencil lower right. Framed using an acid free linen mat, a black and brown frame, and UV conservation glass.

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Joan Miro was a wonderful printmaker who was skilled in a variety of media, including lithography, etching, aquatint, woodcutting, engraving, and drypoint. However, Miro's introduction to carborundum in 1967 allowed him to make a significant breakthrough that took his printmaking to new highs. Carborundum is an engraving technique that uses an abrasive ground that is added to the etching plate in order to create a textured or granulated surface. This technique was combined with others such as etching and particularly aquatinting; that allowed Miro to create prints that were on the level of paintings. The carborundum aquatint prints were made between 1967 and 1969 and showcase Miro at his highest level of printmaking. 

 

In this particular work, the carborundum texture can be seen in all the bold black elements. Miro was known for his use of black in carrying other colors and for it's stark contrast to the paper ground. Bold pure stokes of blue, green, red, and yellow are used to pull the image from the ground and the application of aquatint is used to give the image a wonderful depth. "Prise À L’Hamecon" showcases Miro's printmaking skill and has a powerful impact on the viewer, as the framed size is an impressive 61 1/2" x 44"!

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