#44145 Benjamin Palencia

The artwork presents a still life composition framed within an oval border. The scene is set against a backdrop of muted colors – a pale yellow wall and a dark reddish-brown curtain or drapery – which contribute to the overall sense of enclosure and intimacy.
At the center, a silver bowl overflows with fruit: predominantly green citrus fruits alongside what appear to be oranges or tangerines. A single leaf rests near the edge of the bowl, adding a touch of organic detail. The arrangement sits atop a heavily draped white cloth, which is rendered with meticulous attention to its folds and texture. The fabric’s pattern introduces an element of complexity, disrupting the smooth surface and creating visual interest.
To the left of the fruit bowl, a partially visible table or surface is depicted, adding depth to the composition. A small, indistinct object rests on this surface, further grounding the arrangement in a domestic setting. The artist employed a distinctive style characterized by sharp lines, angular forms, and a limited palette. Hatching and cross-hatching techniques are evident, particularly in the depiction of the drapery and background elements, contributing to a sense of texture and depth.
The oval frame itself is significant; it isolates the scene, creating a window into a contained world. This framing device draws attention to the subject matter while simultaneously suggesting a degree of artificiality or constructedness. The deliberate use of geometric shapes – the oval frame, the angular forms within the still life – hints at an interest in formal structure and composition over purely representational accuracy.
Subtly, theres a feeling of melancholy conveyed through the muted tones and the somewhat static arrangement. The fruit, symbols of abundance and vitality, are presented in a manner that feels restrained, almost somber. This restraint might suggest reflections on transience or the passage of time.