#04461 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

Here we see a still life composition arranged with deliberate simplicity and a muted palette. The central focus is a potted plant, its slender stalks rendered in shades of pink and yellow, rising from a terracotta pot resting on a small, shallow dish. This arrangement sits atop a low table or stand, which itself appears to be constructed of wood, exhibiting a warm, earthy tone. A single piece of fruit – likely a lime – rests beside the pot on the tabletop.
The background is uniformly pale blue, almost monochromatic, creating an atmosphere of quietude and emphasizing the objects in the foreground. The lighting seems diffused, lacking strong shadows or highlights, which contributes to the overall sense of stillness and serenity. Theres a deliberate flatness to the composition; depth isn’t strongly suggested, flattening the perspective and drawing attention to the arrangement itself rather than any implied space beyond it.
The choice of objects – a potted plant, a piece of fruit, a simple table – suggests themes of domesticity and sustenance. The plant, potentially symbolic of growth or life, is contained within its pot, hinting at both nurture and limitation. The single lime introduces a subtle element of contrast in color and form, adding a touch of visual interest to the otherwise restrained scene.
The artist’s technique appears precise and controlled, with careful attention paid to rendering textures – the rough surface of the terracotta, the smooth skin of the fruit, the grain of the wood. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to appreciate the beauty in everyday objects and find solace in their simplicity. Theres a sense of deliberate restraint; no extraneous details distract from the core elements of the composition, reinforcing its meditative quality.