#04463 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a cityscape viewed across a body of water, dominated by a monumental architectural structure. The perspective is frontal and relatively low, emphasizing the scale and grandeur of the building. A slender spire rises from the left side of the frame, contrasting with the more rounded forms of the central edifice. This central construction appears to be composed of multiple towers, each exhibiting arched windows and intricate detailing.
Below this prominent structure stretches a continuous line of buildings, rendered in a similar palette of warm yellows and browns. These structures appear less detailed than the main building, suggesting a deliberate focus on its importance within the urban landscape. The water occupies the lower third of the canvas; it is depicted with horizontal brushstrokes that create a sense of stillness and reflection. A muted sky fills the upper portion of the painting, contributing to an overall atmosphere of tranquility and diffused light.
The color scheme is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochres, yellows, browns, and grays – with subtle variations in hue to differentiate forms. The limited palette contributes to a sense of uniformity and perhaps even melancholy. Theres a deliberate flattening of perspective; depth isn’t strongly suggested, which lends the scene an almost dreamlike quality.
The painting seems less concerned with precise representation than with conveying a feeling or mood associated with this place. The repetition of architectural elements – arches, windows, towers – creates a sense of order and permanence. The subdued lighting and muted colors evoke a contemplative atmosphere, suggesting themes of history, memory, and the passage of time. It is possible to interpret the scene as an exploration of urban identity or a meditation on the relationship between humanity and its built environment.