90 - Pair of anthropomorphic masks. Possibly from Asia, 20th century.

Pair of anthropomorphic masks. Possibly from Asia, 20th century. Carved and polychrome wood. Measurements: 25 x 20 cm each. 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 carved and polychrome wooden masks depicting human faces with rounded features, almond-shaped eyes, and serene expressions. Their geometric decorations in shades of yellow, green, and black stand out, featuring symbolic motifs that accentuate the expressiveness of the faces. Given their formal characteristics, they could be associated with Asian traditions of masks used in theatrical performances, folk dances, or ritual celebrations, where the polychromatic coloring helps to characterize the various characters.