#04449 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The painting presents a still life arrangement composed of two primary elements: a bowl filled with chestnuts and a ceramic jug. These objects are positioned on a horizontal surface that extends across the majority of the canvas, creating a sense of stability and grounding. The background is rendered in muted tones, suggesting an interior space without specific details, which directs attention towards the foreground subjects.
The artist employed a technique characterized by visible brushstrokes, imparting a textural quality to both the objects and the backdrop. This approach lends a certain immediacy and physicality to the scene, moving beyond mere representation toward a more tactile experience for the viewer. The light source appears to originate from the left side of the composition, casting subtle shadows that define the forms and contribute to their three-dimensionality.
The bowl of chestnuts occupies the left portion of the canvas. Their warm brown hues contrast with the cooler tones of the jug and background, creating a focal point. The arrangement within the bowl is somewhat haphazard, suggesting abundance and natural growth rather than deliberate order.
The ceramic jug stands prominently on the right side. Its form is bulbous, tapering towards the neck, and its surface displays variations in color – from reddish-brown to lighter ochre – indicative of a handmade quality. The handle provides a point of visual interest, interrupting the smooth curve of the vessel.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of harvest, sustenance, and domesticity. Chestnuts are traditionally associated with autumn and abundance, while the earthenware jug suggests practicality and everyday use. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation and appreciation for simple pleasures. The lack of human presence reinforces this sense of stillness and invites a meditative engagement with the depicted objects. The artist’s choice to depict commonplace items elevates them through careful observation and skillful rendering, transforming the ordinary into something worthy of sustained attention.