256 - Small Napoleon III writing desk. France, second half of the 19th century.

Small Napoleon III writing desk. France, second half of the 19th century. Painted and gilded wood, with bronze accents. Shows signs of wear. Measurements: 10 x 36 x 28 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 portable writing desk from the Napoleon III period, crafted from dark-stained wood and adorned with bronze inlays that match the central medallion bearing the original owner’s initials. When opened, it offers a slanted writing surface and features several compartments for writing instruments.