180 - 19th-century French school.

19th-century French school. “View of Paris.” Charcoal on paper. Embossed stamp. Shows foxing. Measurements: 37 x 53.5 cm; 41 x 56 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. The view of Paris now up for auction is part of the tradition of 19th-century French urban drawing, characterized by a careful observation of the city and the daily life of its inhabitants. The composition depicts a lively scene along the banks of the Seine, where carts, horses, workers, and goods are scattered across the foreground, creating an image with a distinctly costumbrista character.