Art + Design Part 1 
9 April 2020
Art + Design Part 1 
209

Miguel Berrocal 1933–2006

Alice II

1981-82
bronze, brass, sterling silver 6½ h × 5½ w × 2½ d in (17 × 14 × 6 cm)
estimate: $700–900
result: $813
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The concept of multiples was central to Miguel Berrocal’s artistic practice. Just as painters used printing techniques to reproduce graphic works, Berrocal sought to make his three-dimensional sculptures accessible to a broader audience using advanced casting technology. As a result, many of the artist’s works were planned to be produced in large editions, however, given the complexity of the forms, full editions were often not completed.
Impressed signature and number to underside of arm ‘Berrocal 390/500’. This work is number 390 from the edition of 500. This three-dimensional mechanical puzzle sculpture is composed of fourteen interlocking elements. Sold with original book containing instructions for assembly and certificate issued by Artcurial.
provenance: Artcurial, Paris | David May, Portland, OR
literature: Antologica Berrocal (1955-1984), Gállego, Opus 216, ppg. 55, 461

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Observed with the Hands

Works from the Collection of David May

Miguel Berrocal and Cristina de Braganza, 1997

Collector David May acquired his first work by the Spanish sculptor, Miguel Berrocal somewhat by chance. While attending a charity event in the 1970s, a gallerist who was familiar with his family’s interest in art pulled a tiny puzzle from her purse and asked him if he wanted to buy it. The puzzle—a miniature head with a tangle of silver hair—was Berrocal’s Portrait de Michele, and from that moment on, May was hooked. When he learned of the French gallery Artcurial, which specialized in multiples and offered an array of Berrocal editions for sale, May purchased almost every example that they had available. Still, there were other works from the artist’s oeuvre that he desired. An internet search revealed items available from a seller near Verona and upon further research, he confirmed that it was in fact the home of Berrocal and his wife, Cristina de Braganza. In the spring of 1996, May and his wife took an overnight train from Paris to Verona and the following morning, a taxi brought them to Berrocal’s palazzo, Villa Rizzardi in Negrar. Cristina had arranged for him to purchase a number of important pieces, and Miguel prepared lunch—a fish risotto—that May recalls was the best he’d ever had. After their initial visit, May kept in touch with Cristina via fax and when a bike trip took him back to northern Italy in 2004, he called on her once more, purchasing two additional works: Desperta Ferro 2 and Algaidas. By that time, Miguel had moved to back to his homeland of Andalucía where he was establishing a museum and shortly thereafter Cristina would sell the palazzo and follow him to Spain. In 2006, Miguel died unexpectedly and May lost touch with Cristina. Since then, he has enjoyed his collection the way that Berrocal intended—assembled, disassembled, and in the artist’s words, “observed with the hands”.

Empty space is as alive as full space. Look at it!

Miguel Berrocal

Miguel Berrocal 1933–2006

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Born in Villanueva de Algaidas, Málaga in 1933, Spanish sculptor Miguel Ortiz Berrocal is best known for his puzzle-like sculptures in metal and intricate jewelry designs. At a young age, Berrocal showed keen artistic talent and a passion for research. He studied in Madrid, where he attended various art schools and developed a fascination with analytic geometry, which later influenced his sculptural style.

Berrocal moved to Italy in 1967 and his career took off there, ultimately maintaining residence until 2004. He collaborated with sculptural foundries in Verona and Negrar to produce his artwork. His sculptures, ranging from monumental outdoor installations to small wearable ornaments, gained recognition and were exhibited extensively across Europe, North America, South America, and Japan. In 2004, Berrocal returned to his birthplace in Spain and remained artistically active until his sudden death in 2006.

Throughout his career, Berrocal explored new techniques and materials, incorporating miniature artworks and hidden jewelry within his puzzle sculptures. He gained acclaim for his ability to disassemble and reconfigure his sculptures into different arrangements. Verona and its foundries became important centers for contemporary art in Europe, attracting renowned artists such as Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte, thanks to Berrocal's influence.

Berrocal's legacy is preserved and promoted by the Fundación Escultor Berrocal (Berrocal Sculpture Foundation), which was founded by his heirs in 2007 and is based in his hometown of Villanueva de Algaidas, Málaga, Spain. Visitors may experience the "Berrocal Creative Universe," which is comprised of a museum, the Center of Interpretation of Water and Contemporary Art, Berrocal's final studio-workshop, and the house-museum. Berrocal's artistic achievements, from his early exhibitions in Madrid to his international success, continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.

Auction Results Miguel Berrocal

Miguel Berrocal

Paloma jewelry chest and vanity

estimate: $25,000–30,000

result: $24,000

Miguel Berrocal

David

estimate: $3,000–5,000

result: $15,625

Miguel Berrocal

Omaggio Ad Arcimboldo

estimate: $2,000–3,000

result: $7,800

Miguel Berrocal

Alexandre (Opus 113)

estimate: $1,200–1,800

result: $7,560

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