#04457 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a still life arrangement featuring three pomegranates and a peach, rendered in colored pencil on what appears to be paper with a slightly textured surface. The fruits are positioned against a reflective plane, which dominates the lower portion of the image and contributes significantly to the overall visual effect.
Here we see the pomegranates clustered together, their surfaces meticulously detailed with varying shades of yellow, green, and brown, suggesting both ripeness and subtle imperfections. Their rounded forms are emphasized by the light source, creating highlights that define their contours. The peach, situated slightly apart from the pomegranates, displays a warmer palette of reds, oranges, and pinks, indicating its own distinct stage of maturity. Its velvety texture is conveyed through delicate pencil strokes.
The reflective surface below acts as an integral element, mirroring the forms above and expanding the sense of space within the limited frame. The reflection isn’t perfectly sharp; its softened, which lends a dreamlike quality to the scene. This blurring also diminishes the distinction between reality and representation, inviting contemplation on perception itself.
The artist has employed a restrained color scheme, primarily focused on earth tones with touches of vibrancy in the peach. This limited palette contributes to a sense of quietude and introspection. The precision of the rendering suggests an interest in observing natural forms closely, almost scientifically.
Subtly, the arrangement might allude to themes of abundance and transience. Pomegranates, historically symbolic of fertility and prosperity, are juxtaposed with the peach, which represents sweetness and fleeting beauty. The reflective surface could be interpreted as a metaphor for memory or the passage of time, mirroring not only the physical objects but also their eventual decay. Ultimately, the work invites viewers to consider the delicate balance between life, representation, and the ephemeral nature of existence.