#04458 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The drawing presents a still life arrangement featuring two ceramic vessels positioned on a horizontal surface. A larger, unglazed pot dominates the left side of the composition. Its form is bulbous and slightly tapered towards the rim, suggesting functionality rather than elaborate decoration. The artist has rendered its texture with subtle gradations of gray, creating an impression of rough materiality.
To the right sits a smaller, glazed bowl. This piece exhibits a more refined aesthetic, distinguished by a delicate blue-and-white pattern depicting floral motifs. The glaze imparts a smooth, reflective quality that contrasts sharply with the matte finish of the pot. The artist has carefully delineated the contours and details of the bowl’s design, highlighting its ornamental nature.
The surface upon which these objects rest is depicted as a simple plane, rendered in muted tones to avoid distracting from the primary subjects. A subtle indication of light source suggests illumination coming from the upper left, casting soft shadows that define the forms and contribute to their three-dimensionality.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of ceramic objects, the drawing evokes themes of contrast and duality. The juxtaposition of the utilitarian pot and the decorative bowl invites contemplation on the relationship between function and aesthetics, simplicity and ornamentation. The differing textures and finishes further emphasize this dichotomy. There is a quietness to the scene; it suggests an appreciation for everyday objects and their inherent beauty, stripped of any overt narrative or symbolic weight. The compositions restraint – the limited palette, the uncluttered background – reinforces this sense of contemplative stillness.