Ramon Martí Alsina

RAMÓN MARTÍ ALSINA (Barcelona, 1826–1894).
"Study of Trees."
Charcoal and clarion on gray paper.
Dated “21 [...] 83” and inscribed “opposite the Figaro” in the lower right corner. Bears an apocryphal signature by Ricardo Martí Aguiló.
The paper shows minor signs of aging consistent with its age.
Measurements: 48 × 30.5 cm; 59.5 × 41 cm (frame).

Dated 1883, this study reflects the practice of drawing directly from life, in which the observation of the trunk and foliage takes precedence over the construction of a complete landscape scene. The charcoal carefully defines the irregularities of the bark and the structure of the branches, while the white chalk highlights the midtones of the paper and reinforces the volume of the trunks. The execution alternates between areas of meticulous detail and others that are barely sketched, especially in the foliage, thus preserving the immediacy of a sketch made in front of the subject.