#04414 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The artwork presents a still life composition centered around a lemon and its foliage. The lemon itself dominates the visual field, rendered with meticulous attention to texture and light. Its surface exhibits a granular quality achieved through subtle variations in color and tone, suggesting the fruits slightly rough skin. A second, smaller lemon rests partially obscured behind the larger one, contributing depth to the arrangement.
Attached to the lemon is a sprig of vibrant green leaves. The artist has captured their delicate structure with precision, highlighting the veins and varying shades that define their form. Light plays across the leaves, creating highlights and shadows that enhance their three-dimensionality.
The composition sits upon a simple ledge or shelf, indicated by a horizontal band of muted color. This plane provides a grounding element for the subject matter, preventing it from appearing to float in space. The background is largely neutral, allowing the lemon and foliage to remain the focal point.
A signature, K.N., appears discreetly in the lower right corner, providing attribution without distracting from the overall aesthetic.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a lemon and its leaves, the painting evokes themes of abundance and natural beauty. The careful rendering suggests an appreciation for detail and a desire to capture the essence of the subject matter. The simplicity of the composition lends it a quiet dignity, inviting contemplation on the inherent qualities of the fruit itself – its tartness, its fragrance, and its visual appeal. Theres a sense of restrained elegance in the presentation; the artist seems less interested in dramatic effect than in conveying a precise observation of nature.