Ramón Martí Alsina

RAMÓN MARTÍ ALSINA (Barcelona, 1826–1894).
“Landscape.”
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Signed in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 43 x 97 cm; 50 x 105 cm (frame).

Considered today as the most important figure of Spanish Realism, Martí Alsina was part of the European avant-garde of his time. He revolutionized the Spanish art scene of the 19th century, pioneered plein air painting, and founded the modern Catalan school, as well as serving as a mentor to an entire generation, with notable disciples such as Vayreda, Urgell, and Torrescassana. He exhibited regularly in Barcelona, Madrid, and Paris, and among his awards are the medals he won at the National Exhibitions in Madrid—third prize in 1858 and second prize in 1860. His subjects include numerous landscapes and seascapes, cityscapes (especially of Barcelona), portraits and human figures, genre scenes, expressive female nudes, history paintings, and biblical scenes. He rarely painted still lifes, though he did produce a few. Works by Martí Alsina are preserved at the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona, the Museum of Montserrat Abbey, and the Museum of l’Empordà in Figueras.