Fragment of a Gothic capital, 15th century

Fragment of a Gothic capital, 15th century.
Carved stone.
Measurements: 22 x 21 x 18 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.
Fragment of an architectural capital carved from stone, decorated with a half-length human figure framed by plant-like motifs. Notable features include the expressive treatment of the face, with pronounced and schematic features, as well as the abundant wavy hair and the deep folds of the clothing. The piece displays characteristics that evoke the sculptural language of the Gothic period, during which architectural decoration attained extraordinary figurative richness, particularly in churches, cathedrals, and monasteries. The inclusion of human figures on capitals and other architectural elements served both an ornamental purpose and a symbolic and narrative intent. The boldness of the forms and the expressive nature of the carving lend this fragment notable historical and decorative significance.