Joan Miró

Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York

Acquavella Galleries, New York

Irving Galleries, Palm Beach

Francey and Martin L. Gecht (sold: Christie's, New York, May 4, 2005, lot 46)

Acquired at the above sale

Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Graphic Modernism, Selections from the Francey and Dr. Martin L. Gecht Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, 2003-04, no. 94, illustrated in color in the catalogue

A. Jouffroy & J. Teixidor, Miró Sculptures, Paris, 1980, no. 176, illustration of another cast p. 123

Fundació Joan Miró, Obra de Joan Miró, Barcelona, 1988, no. 1577, illustration of another cast in color p. 431

Pierre Gimferrer, The Roots of Miró, Barcelona, 1993, no. 1256, illustration of another cast p. 407

F. Basile, Joan Miró, Bologna, 1997, illustration of another cast in color p. 231

Emilio Fernández Miró & Pilar Ortega Chapel, Joan Miró, Sculptures. Catalogue raisonné, 1928-1982, Paris, 2006, no. 198, illustration of another cast in color p. 199

Excellent condition. The black patina is slightly rubbed on some of the highpoints. There are no significant scratches or abrasions, and the bronze is structurally sound.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Miró's sculpture assemblages are some of his most inventive works of art.    Repurposing utilitarian objects like forks, pipes, and wire, the artist would devise fanciful artistic creations that allowed him to reinterpret the world around him.  The present sculpture of a rooster is a brilliant example of Miró's artistic alchemy.

This bronze was executed from a ceramic version of Coq, made by the artist in 1956.  It was around this time that Miró's fellow Spaniard Picasso was equally fowl-minded in his approach to sculptural assemblages, creating his famous La Grue, 1951-52, from similiar objects from his studio.