#04432 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a view of a residential area, likely a small village or town, rendered in a muted palette dominated by earth tones and subdued blues and grays. The perspective is elevated, offering a slightly detached observation of the scene. A winding road occupies the lower portion of the canvas, leading the eye toward a cluster of houses situated on a gentle rise.
The architecture appears simple and functional; the buildings are characterized by clean lines and rectangular forms. Their facades exhibit a limited range of color – primarily whites and pinks – which contributes to an overall sense of uniformity. The roofs are dark, providing contrast against the lighter walls. A few chimneys punctuate the skyline, suggesting domesticity and warmth.
A bare tree stands prominently on the right side of the painting, its branches reaching towards the overcast sky. This element introduces a note of starkness and perhaps melancholy, contrasting with the ordered arrangement of the buildings. Utility poles and wires are visible, indicating the presence of modern infrastructure within this seemingly tranquil setting. The landscape behind the houses is suggested through a dark line of trees atop a hill, further emphasizing the enclosed nature of the scene.
The artist’s brushwork appears deliberate but not overly detailed; forms are defined by broad strokes and subtle gradations of color rather than precise outlines. This technique lends a certain flatness to the image, reducing depth and creating a sense of distance between the viewer and the depicted subject.
Subtly, there is an underlying tension present in the work. The ordered arrangement of the houses and the winding road suggest control and predictability, yet the bare tree and overcast sky introduce elements of uncertainty and quiet solitude. This juxtaposition hints at a complex relationship between humanity and its environment – a sense of both belonging and alienation within a seemingly ordinary place. The painting evokes a feeling of stillness and introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of community, isolation, and the passage of time.