194 - William IV display cabinet. England, circa 1830.

William IV display cabinet. England, circa 1830. Mahogany, walnut handles, and fruitwood inlays. In good overall condition, with minor imperfections consistent with its age and use. Measurements: 229 × 112 × 55 cm. 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. A characteristic example of English furniture from the William IV period, this display cabinet stands out for the visual quality of the mahogany and for its sober, architectural design, typical of a transitional period between the Regency and the early Victorian era. The richness of the grain takes center stage against a restrained ornamentation based on moldings, subtle wood hallmarks, and cut-out profiles. The upper glass-fronted section combines display and storage functions, while the lower drawers lend the piece a distinctly practical character. The molded cornice, turned legs, and clear structural lines reflect the typical design language of British furniture from the 1830s.