Works returned to Miró´s heirs

The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation has returned 17 works by Joan Miró to his family, who had requested their return because of discrepancies with the Palma city council. Miró*s grandson, Joan Punyet, acting as spokesman for the artist's heirs, said that they had been upset by the use of pictures of the Foundation for Popular Party propaganda; an exhibition by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, for which influences were brought to bear; and a press leak to the effect that the contract of the centre's director, Aurelio Torrente, would not be renewed before the Foundation's board had met to discuss the matter. Punyet said that “if the Foundation were used for political means it would detract from Miró*s donation to the city, and this is unacceptable.” The Foundation provided a police escort for the eight paintings, seven tapestries and two sculptures.