Here are some facts about Joan Miro, the Spanish artist.
- Joan Miro was born on 20th April 1893 in Barcelona, Spain. His full name is Joan Miró i Ferrà.
- Miro showed artistic promise from a young age. When he was only seven, Miro attended drawing classes, and he went to an art academy at La Llotja in 1907. He went on to study at the Cercle Artistic de Sant Lluc.
- His artwork was inspire by Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh, and he felt drawn to the Cubist and Surrealist artists who were working in Paris. In 1920, Joan Miro moved to Paris, returning to Spain for the summer months.
- Ernest Hemingway, was a massive admirer of Joan Miro’s work. He bought one of Miro’s paintings called The Farm.
- Miro’s work became more and more symbolic, and in 1924 he joined the Surrealist group. He produced paintings, sculptures and ceramics.
- Henri Matisse‘s son, the gallery-owner Pierre Matisse, was a big champion of Miro’s work. He exhibited Miro’s paintings in the United States.
- In 1974, Joan Miro produced a tapestry for the World Trade Center. It was one of the most valuable pieces of artwork destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
- Joan Miro died on 25th December (Christmas Day) 1983. He was 90 years old.
- Miro’s paintings have sold at auction for more than $30 million.
What next? Find out some facts about other famous artists.