139 - Pair of composite capitals; Spain, 17th century.

Pair of composite capitals; Spain, 17th century. Carved wood. They show traces of polychrome paint. Measurements: 26 x 28 x 28 cm (x2). 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 pair of composite capitals carved from wood, inspired by classical architectural models. They feature elaborate vegetal ornamentation, with acanthus leaves arranged on several levels and volutes at the top—characteristics typical of the composite order, which combines elements of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals. Both pieces retain traces of polychromy that allow one to appreciate their original finish and help highlight the relief of the ornamental motifs. The upper finials, with a quadrangular profile, complete the architectural structure of the capitals. Due to their meticulous carving and rich decoration, this pair serves as a representative example of the adaptation of classical motifs to 17th-century Spanish art, where architectural tradition is combined with the ornamental tastes of the period. They show traces of polychrome decoration.