The artwork titled “Head of a Catalan Peasant (2)” was created by renowned artist Joan Miró in 1925. Exhibiting characteristics of the Surrealist movement, this piece falls under the figurative genre. The composition integrates elements that reflect Miró’s Catalan heritage and showcases his distinct approach to form and color, which often borders on the abstract while maintaining a connection to the real world.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately struck by the abstract representation and simplified forms that draw inspiration from the subject matter—the head of a Catalan peasant. The central form is dominated by a red crescent shape, possibly signifying a cap or the peasant’s head, with a singular black dot portraying the eye. Directly opposite is what appears to be another eye rendered as a concentric circular form with a yellow outer ring.
Below these features, a black line extends downward, intersecting with a horizontal line to suggest a cross, perhaps alluding to the face’s division or the earthy origins of the peasant class. A series of wavy brown lines hang beneath, likely indicative of the peasant’s facial hair or perhaps a representation of a more symbolic element. The background is awash with a subdued blue, and additional black strokes hover at the periphery, adding to the surreal and dream-like quality of the piece.
The use of geometric shapes and minimalist representation is characteristic of Miró’s style during this period. Combinations of bold outlines, primary colors, and striking contrasts achieve a powerful visual impact while challenging traditional expectations of portraiture. Through this work, Miró conveys a sense of the Catalan identity, but also transcends regional specificity to explore universal human themes through the lens of Surrealism.
