84 - Mask; Africa, 20th century.

Mask; Africa, 20th century. Ebonized wood. Measurements: 31.5 x 29 x 10 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. An ebony-stained wooden mask, possibly of Nigerian origin, carved with a face featuring voluminous features and a solemn expression. It has a broad forehead, almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, full lips, and a pronounced chin. The hair is rendered as a meticulously textured surface, contrasting with the smooth, polished finish of the face, which has a dark tone with natural nuances and highlights. The sculptural treatment of the facial features and the contrast between the textured and polished surfaces are particularly striking hallmarks.