#04435 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The drawing presents a still life arrangement centered around a bowl filled with what appear to be figs. The composition is strikingly simple; the bowl occupies the middle ground, its form delineated with careful shading that suggests volume and weight. The figs themselves are rendered in muted purples and browns, their surfaces textured to convey a sense of ripeness and slight decay. Each fig possesses a unique shape and character, preventing them from appearing as mere repetitions.
The bowl rests on a surface treated with a delicate hatching technique, creating an impression of subtle undulation and light reflection. This background is not uniformly colored; instead, it displays variations in tone that contribute to the overall sense of depth and atmosphere. The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy tones and soft grays, which lends the work a quiet, contemplative mood.
The artist’s choice to depict such commonplace objects – figs in a bowl – suggests an interest in finding beauty within the mundane. Theres a deliberate lack of overt narrative or symbolic elements; the focus remains firmly on the visual qualities of the subject matter. The close-up perspective and the absence of any surrounding context further emphasize this concentrated observation.
One might interpret the arrangement as a meditation on transience, given the implied ripeness and potential for spoilage of the figs. The bowl itself could be seen as a vessel containing not only fruit but also a sense of fragility and impermanence. Alternatively, the drawing may simply celebrate the aesthetic qualities of form, color, and texture, inviting viewers to appreciate the subtle nuances of everyday objects.