Who painted Public Exhibition of a Picture?

Public Exhibition of a Picture was painted by Joan Ferrer Miró in 1894.

Where can I see Public Exhibition of a Picture?

Public Exhibition of a Picture is held by Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

What movement is Public Exhibition of a Picture?

Public Exhibition of a Picture is associated with Art Nouveau.

Can I buy a print of Public Exhibition of a Picture?

Museum-quality prints of Public Exhibition of a Picture are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Public Exhibition of a Picture

Joan Ferrer Miró , 1894

Public Exhibition of a Picture is an oil painting by the Art Nouveau artist Joan Ferrer Miró. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

About this work

Overview

Public Exhibition of a Picture, executed in oil in 1894 by Joan Ferrer Miró, presents a lively urban tableau. The work is classified as a genre scene and is part of the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Its composition reflects the decorative tendencies of the Art Nouveau period, emphasizing everyday activity within a public setting.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas captures a bustling street before a shop whose façade bears the sign “PHOTOGRAPHERS BOOKSELLERS.” A diverse crowd, children, adults, a dog, and a boy carrying a basket of fruit, occupies the sidewalk, some peering into the window, others moving along the thoroughfare. The scene offers a snapshot of communal life centered around a cultural venue.

Technique & Style

Miró employs a nuanced handling of light and shadow, reminiscent of chiaroscuro, to model figures and architectural details. The palette balances warm tones with cooler accents, while the fluid outlines and ornamental motifs align the work with Art Nouveau aesthetics. Brushwork varies between precise delineation of objects and broader, atmospheric passages that convey movement.

History & Provenance

Created at the close of the 19th century, the painting has remained within Catalonia’s public institutions, ultimately entering the holdings of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on regional artists who contributed to the broader European Art Nouveau movement, preserving the work for scholarly and public access.