#04462 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The artwork presents a solitary female figure positioned centrally within the composition. She is depicted in a three-quarter pose, her gaze directed downwards and away from the viewer, fostering a sense of introspection or melancholy. Her hair, long and straight, falls around her shoulders, contributing to an overall impression of quietude and restraint. The clothing she wears – a simple blouse beneath a sleeveless vest and a dark skirt – suggests modesty and perhaps a connection to rural life or traditional values.
A still-life element occupies the foreground: a bowl filled with fruit sits on what appears to be a draped table. The arrangement is modest, consisting of several pieces of fruit that are rendered with careful attention to their textures and colors. This inclusion introduces an element of domesticity and abundance, yet it does not alleviate the prevailing mood of solitude.
The background is deliberately understated – a muted, almost monochromatic expanse that recedes into a soft focus. The lack of detail in this area serves to emphasize the figure and the still-life, drawing attention to their symbolic weight.
The artist’s technique appears characterized by meticulous rendering and a granular texture, achieved perhaps through layering or a specific application of pigment. This contributes to a sense of visual quietness and reinforces the overall atmosphere of contemplation. The subdued color palette – dominated by earth tones and soft blues – further enhances this feeling.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of isolation, reflection, and perhaps resignation. The woman’s averted gaze and closed posture suggest an internal struggle or a withdrawal from external engagement. The presence of the fruit bowl could be interpreted as representing sustenance or potential, yet its placement does not offer any sense of joy or fulfillment; rather, it appears almost like a burden. Overall, the work conveys a profound sense of quiet sadness and a poignant exploration of human solitude.