Joan Miró

Maternité [Maternity]

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About this artwork

Miró invented his own pictorial language, which became increasingly abstract over time. Although reduced to basic forms, in this painting we can recognise that the central figure is female. One of her breasts is shown in profile, the other from the front. Two insect-like infants, one male, the other female, are suspended from her breasts. The figures seem to be floating in space. The painting has its origins in a postcard of a Spanish dancer wearing a polka-dot dress. The only remaining trace of this in the painting is the pierced skirt, which refers to the dancer's dress.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Joan Miró (1893 - 1983) Spanish
  • title:
    Maternité [Maternity]
  • date created:
    1924
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    92.10 x 73.10 cm; Framed: 106.80 x 87.90 x 8.20 cm; 18kg
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased with help from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund (William Leng Bequest ) and members of the public, 1991
  • accession number:
    GMA 3589
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • glossary:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Joan Miró

Joan Miró