#04444 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around two distinct elements: a cluster of grapes and a potted plant. The grapes are arranged on a shallow, off-white dish that sits upon a plain surface, likely a table or ledge. Their color is a deep magenta, rendered with meticulous detail to capture their individual form and the subtle variations in tone across the group.
To the right of the fruit, a small potted plant stands upright. The pot itself is a warm terracotta hue, its texture suggested through careful shading. Emerging from the pot are several glossy green leaves, depicted with an emphasis on their delicate structure and vibrant color. Light falls gently upon both objects, creating soft highlights and shadows that contribute to a sense of quiet realism.
The overall effect is one of understated elegance and tranquility. The limited palette – primarily greens, pinks, and earth tones – reinforces this feeling of serenity. The arrangement’s simplicity suggests a focus on the inherent beauty of everyday objects.
Subtly, theres an implied contrast between the ripeness and potential decay suggested by the grapes (a symbol often associated with abundance and transience) and the enduring vitality represented by the plant, which signifies growth and resilience. The placement of the plant slightly behind the dish containing the fruit could be interpreted as a visual metaphor for hope or renewal emerging from a state of maturity or even decline.
The artist’s signature in the lower right corner indicates a personal touch, grounding the work within a specific creative vision.