Saul and Rachel Muhlstock, Montreal (a gift from the artist in 1974)
Thence by descent to the present owners

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, hinged to the mount in the top two corners, floating in the mount. There are some tape remnants at points around the periphery of the reverse. Apart from some light staining around the edge of the sheet, possibly caused by time staining from a previous mount, and some studio dirt, this work is in very good condition. Colours: The paper tone is whiter and crisper and the blacks are stronger and deeper in the original.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The provenance of the present work is an astonishing story of friendship and admiration shown by the present owners, their father and mother, and Joan Miró himself. In the summer of 1974, while travelling in Europe, Bess, the daughter of Saul and Rachel Muhlstock, went to the Galerie Maeght to deliver a present for Joan Miró - a courtepointe quilt by an artisan from Ste. Scholastique near Montreal. Saul and Rachel were avid followers of Miró and wanted to present the artist with a gift from Montreal as a gesture of thanks for Miró's artistic excellence. To the delight of the family, Joan Miró sent back the present work in response to the quilt and Étoile sur un éclat mauve has been in the family ever since.

The dedication on the reverse of the work reads:
For S. Muhlstock, with deep friendship, this star against a bright fragment of mauve.  For his daughter Bess Louise and in homage to the artistic woman who wove this dazzling surface Very affectionately, Miró

The colourful, bold surface of Étoile sur un éclat mauve is an extraordinary testament to Miró's vivacious imagination and seminal treatment of composition. Areas of the work have been dramatically, spontaneously overpainted in bold brushstrokes of black whilst the underlying colours, potent in their hue and carefully applied, dominate the image.

Joan Miro was living in Mallorca in 1973 in an enormous studio that managed to house his larger, more ambitious projects which included vast murals and sculpture. The present work serves not only as an example of a stunning late work by Joan Miro but also as a reminder of his generosity and beauty of spirit.

COMP:
038L10005_3QH6D - Reverse of 𓆏the present work showing the original dedication