65 - Miniature, late 19th–early 20th century.

Miniature, late 19th–early 20th century. “Lady in a White Dress.” Signed (illegible) on the right side. Measurements: 8 x 7 cm; 13.5 x 11.5 cm (frame). Provenance: Estate of Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Artistic and heritage collection originating in the legacy of Catalan painters Ramon Martí Alsina (1826–1894), a seminal figure of 19th-century Catalan Realism, and his son Ricard Martí Aguiló (1857–1935). Passed down and enriched across successive generations, the collection brings together works from the original holdings of both artists alongside acquisitions made by their descendants. Dedicated to preserving and recovering the family legacy, the descendants actively reacquired works by the painters as they entered the market, progressively expanding the collection to encompass paintings, sculptures, archaeological artifacts, and other items of artistic and historical significance. Miniature painting, especially portraiture, developed in Europe beginning in the 16th century. These were primarily paintings set into objects such as medallions, table clocks, or small boxes. They were created using a wide variety of techniques, such as oil on copper, tin, or bone; wash on parchment or cardstock; and, from the 18th century onward, watercolor on bone. This delicate art form began to fade in the second half of the 19th century, in parallel with the development of photography.