#04433 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a quiet interior scene dominated by a cool, muted palette. A small table occupies the central foreground, upon which rests a bowl filled with lemons. Adjacent to the table sits a chair upholstered in a pale blue fabric. The arrangement is simple and deliberate, evoking a sense of stillness and introspection.
A significant portion of the canvas is dedicated to a curtain drawn back from a window on the left side. This curtain allows a bright, diffused light to flood into the space, creating a stark contrast with the shadowed areas of the room. The light itself appears almost tangible, its texture rendered with meticulous detail.
The wall behind the table and chair is painted in a cool grey-blue hue, contributing to the overall melancholic atmosphere. The surface exhibits visible brushstrokes, suggesting an emphasis on materiality and process rather than illusionistic representation. This textural quality adds depth and complexity to the scene.
Subtly, the painting hints at themes of domesticity and solitude. The presence of a chair suggests anticipation or absence – a place recently vacated or awaiting occupancy. The lemons in the bowl could symbolize abundance or perhaps decay, their bright yellow color providing a visual counterpoint to the prevailing coolness of the environment.
The composition’s deliberate sparseness encourages contemplation. It is not merely a depiction of objects but an exploration of light, shadow, and the quiet resonance of everyday life. The artist seems interested in capturing a fleeting moment, a sense of suspended time within a confined space.