#04404 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered on two oranges and a cluster of grapes, positioned upon a simple, horizontal surface. The background is rendered in muted tones, creating a sense of depth while directing attention towards the central objects. Light falls from the left, illuminating the fruit with a soft glow that emphasizes their textures and forms.
The artist has employed a meticulous approach to rendering the oranges; one is partially obscured by the other, suggesting a casual arrangement rather than a formal display. The skin exhibits subtle variations in color – yellows, oranges, and hints of red – achieved through careful application of paint. Similarly, the grapes are depicted with individual attention paid to their shape and the way they cluster together on the vine. Their coloration ranges from deep purple to lighter pinks, contributing to visual interest.
The surface upon which the fruit rests appears to be a wooden ledge or shelf, its texture subtly indicated through brushstrokes that suggest grain and slight imperfections. The simplicity of this element reinforces the focus on the natural forms of the fruit.
A sense of quiet contemplation pervades the work. There is an understated elegance in the arrangement, suggesting a deliberate choice of subject matter and composition. The absence of any extraneous details contributes to a feeling of restraint and emphasizes the inherent beauty of commonplace objects. The signature X.V. appears discreetly in the lower right corner, indicating authorship without disrupting the overall harmony of the scene.

The painting’s subtexts might explore themes of abundance, transience, or the simple pleasures found in everyday life. The careful observation and rendering of natural forms could also be interpreted as a meditation on perception and representation.