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Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893–1983) - Manner of, Lithographic Print, late 20th century

Miró style lithograph with four colorful stick figures and a black star in a silver frame. - view 1
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Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Era

Circa 1970–1990

Origin

🇪🇸 Spain

Artist / Creator

Joan Miró

Authenticity

Uncertain(35%)
153

JOAN MIRÓ (SPANISH, 1893–1983) - MANNER OF, LITHOGRAPHIC PRINT, LATE 20TH CENTURY: IDENTIFICATION

A color lithograph featuring four anthropomorphic, elongated figures in primary and secondary colors: red, yellow, blue, and green. The figures are rendered in a simplified, child-like calligraphic style characteristic of Surrealism. A black eight-pointed celestial 'asterisk' star occupies the upper right quadrant. The work features a printed 'Miró' signature in the lower right, though it lacks a hand-written pencil signature or edition numbering typically found on original limited-run lithographs.

Compare with other prints in the archive: Abstract Mixed Media Print ('Monoprint'), Abstract Chromatic Lithograph by A. Vrede, Luigi Leisner (1889-1970) - 'Fidelio', Etching of the Vienna State Opera, c. 1920-1940.

PRINT LINEAGE

The visual vocabulary of this piece—elongated torsos, 'asterisk' stars, and simplified facial features—references Joan Miró's late-period style, particularly works produced between 1960 and 1980. Miró's prints during this era, often published by Maeght Editeur, utilized bold lithographic inks to ...
The visual vocabulary of this piece—elongated torsos, 'asterisk' stars, and simplified facial features—references Joan Miró's late-period style, particularly works produced between 1960 and 1980. Miró's prints during this era, often published by Maeght Editeur, utilized bold lithographic inks to achieve a saturated brilliance. While the motifs are authentic to his Surrealist language, the absence of an edition number suggests this is a later exhibition poster or an open-edition decorative print rather than a lifetime hand-signed original.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

In 1974, Miró produced a massive tapestry for the World Trade Center that survived the impact of the September 11 attacks but was later lost in the building's collapse.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 23 prints items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Lack of pencil numbering or hand-signed signature common in original lithographs
  • High prevalence of open-edition decorative reproductions of Miró's work
  • Modern metallic frame style often associated with 1980s commercial prints

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

Identification of the artist and style is certain, but the status as a commercial print versus a fine art multiple is based on the visible lack of hand-signing and numbering.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Motifs (asterisk star, stick figures) are characteristic of Miró's late-period iconography.
  • 2The signature appears to be printed in plate/stone rather than applied by hand in pencil.
  • 3No visible edition number (e.g., 25/75) is present in the lower margins.
  • 4Paper texture suggests a commercial lithographical process rather than heavy hand-made Arches paper.
  • 5The framing hardware visible suggests a late 20th-century retail origin.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Signature is part of the print matrix, which significantly reduces the value compared to a hand-signed original.
  • •Wavy paper indicates the print is likely not acid-free or was improperly mounted.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Remove from frame to inspect the paper edges for a 'Maeght' or 'Arches' watermark.
  • →Check the reverse for gallery labels or stock numbers from publishers like Maeght.
  • →Examine the inked areas under 10x magnification to confirm lithographic stone texture vs. modern offset dots.

CONDITION & GRADE

Good

Grading breakdown

Paper shows slight rippling, likely due to humidity and non-archival framing; colors appear stable with no significant UV fading visible in the provided light.

Condition

The paper support appears bright with no visible foxing; however, there is a distinct wave in the paper under the glass, suggesting it is not archivally mounted. The printed signature is sharp with no bleeding.

PRINT MARKET VALUATION

$150 - $450

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Entry-level art collectors and interior decorators seeking mid-century modern aesthetic markers.

What increases value

  • •Condition of the colors (absence of UV fading)
  • •Recognition of the 'Miró' brand by general art buyers
  • •Cleanliness of the frame and matting

What lowers value

  • •Commonness of this specific 'Manner of' decorative reproduction
  • •Lack of provenance or certificate of authenticity
  • •Potential acid damage from the current non-archival matting

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Presence of a hand-applied pencil signature
  • •Low edition number on BFK Rives or Arches paper
  • •Provenance from a recognized publisher like Galerie Maeght

Grade & condition

Paper acidity, sun bleaching, and evidence of mounting adhesives.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandSells quickly
Browse similar prints objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

The Collector

The Collector
Relic Hunter•117 items

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