The contribution of Alexandre Planella (circa 1830-1900) to the Catalan restoration and collection history of the 19th century

Abstract

Throughout the nineteenth century, the city of Barcelona saw the emergence of a large number of multi-faceted and heterodox professionals. In this sense, Alexandre Planella i Roura, member of a prolific lineage of artists, became one of the most representative models of 19th-century estate art collecting. Far from adopting the specialist model, Planella carried out his activity in a multidirectional way. After some years studying art at the Llotja School of Fine Arts, the principal centre of learning in Barcelona in that period, he continued his family’s tradition and opened an art supply shop. His work as a restorer, an emerging discipline at that time, and the opportunity to intervene in important estates, contributed significantly to consolidating his social reputation. Planella Roura’s curiosity also led him to collect eclectic pieces of art, which, over time, resulted in a collection of graphic works comprising prints and drawings.