Ricard Martí Aguiló

RICARD MARTÍ AGUILÓ (Barcelona, 1857–1935).
"Landscapes."
Set of three oil paintings on panel.
One of them is signed "R M." in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 13.5 × 21.5 cm each; 19 × 26 cm (frames).

This set of three small landscapes follows the tradition of plein air painting cultivated by Ricard Martí Aguiló, characterized by direct observation of the surroundings and an interest in the effects of light and atmosphere. The small format of the panels is reminiscent of the practice of oil sketches. These compositions reflect the artist’s interest in landscape as an autonomous genre, within a pictorial conception rooted in Catalan realism of the second half of the 19th century.

Ricard Martí Aguiló, son and disciple of the celebrated painter Ramon Martí Alsina, developed a realist body of work focused primarily on landscape, seascape, portraiture, and still life. His painting carried on his father’s naturalistic sensibility, with particular attention to the depiction of light and atmosphere. In 1891, he participated in the General Exhibition of Fine Arts in Barcelona and painted the Portrait of Narcís Monturiol, which is currently part of the Gallery of Illustrious Catalans at the Barcelona History Museum. His artistic output also included numerous studies and sketches from life, notably those created during his stays on the Catalan coast, particularly in Cadaqués and its surroundings.