#04411 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a white vase containing verdant foliage and several lemons positioned on a shelf. The background is rendered in muted tones, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective that pushes it into the distance. A horizontal plane, presumably a shelf or ledge, occupies the middle ground, providing a stable base for the objects.
The artist’s handling of light contributes significantly to the overall mood. Soft illumination highlights the contours of the vase and lemons, while also casting subtle shadows that define their form. The leaves appear luminous, suggesting vitality and freshness. The brushwork is visible throughout, imparting a textural quality to both the background and the objects themselves. This technique lends an impressionistic feel to the scene, softening sharp edges and emphasizing the play of light.
The arrangement itself seems deliberately simple, yet imbued with symbolic potential. The lemons, typically associated with tartness or even bitterness, are juxtaposed against the vibrant greenery emerging from the vase. This contrast might suggest a balance between hardship and renewal, or perhaps an acknowledgement of life’s complexities. The white vase acts as a neutral vessel, highlighting the contents it holds while remaining understated in its own presence.
The shelf itself introduces another layer of interpretation. It can be seen as a stage upon which this quiet drama unfolds, separating the objects from the viewer and creating a sense of distance or contemplation. The overall effect is one of serene observation, inviting reflection on themes of nature, fragility, and the cyclical rhythms of existence.