Santiago Puig Valls (1943) - Barcelona

Pictura Subastas presents this magnificent artwork belonging to Puig Valls, depicting a lively urban square after rain, with pedestrians, cars and a monument surrounded by historic buildings under a sky of large clouds. The painting stands out for its excellent technique and the high pictorial quality it conveys.

· Framed dimensions: 86x99x8 cm.
· Unframed dimensions: 60x73 cm.
· Oil on canvas signed by the artist on the left side of the work, Puig Valls.
· The piece is in good condition.
· The work is sold with a beautiful frame (included in the auction as a gift).

The work comes from an exclusive private collection in Girona.

Important note: the photographs included are an integral part of the lot description. Digital representation in a mockup is indicative; there may be differences compared with the actual item in color, scale and details.

The painting will be professionally packed by an expert from IVEX (https://www.instagram.com/ivex.online/), using high-quality materials to ensure its protection. The shipping price covers both the cost of professional packaging and the transport itself.
Shipping will be carried out by Correos, GLS or NACEX with tracking. International shipping available.

------------------------------------------------------------------

This painting presents a wide urban square after rain, surrounded by elegant buildings and animated by pedestrians, cars and a large statue located on the left side. The wet pavement captures small reflections of the architecture and the sky, while voluminous clouds stretch across the city. The scene combines everyday movement of people with the solidity of the buildings and the monumentality of the public space. The result conveys freshness, depth and a pleasant sense of urban life.

The square opens from the foreground and leads the eye toward the streets that continue between the buildings. Its surface appears divided by sidewalks, curbs and broad circulation zones that form curved and diagonal lines. These directions organize the composition and visually guide toward the center. The viewer seems to stand on a corner, observing the traffic from a slightly distant position.

The pavement is one of the most expressive elements. The greys, greens, blues and beige tones blend with small pink, yellow and white reflections. Some areas seem still covered by a thin layer of water, especially at the bottom. The moisture softens the street’s appearance and lends a special luminosity to the scene.

In the left foreground appear a woman and a child walking together. The woman wears a long dress or reddish coat, accompanied by a light hat that stands out against the background. Beside her, the child wears yellow and dark garments and seems to be stepping with small steps. Both figures introduce a daily and affectionate scene within the breadth of the square.

The elongated shadow of these two figures is projected on the ground and reinforces their presence. The woman seems to incline her body slightly toward the child, as if guiding or protecting him while they cross. Her warm colors contrast with the cool tones of the pavement. This small group adds human proximity and establishes an initial narrative point.

At the far right there are two men talking or waiting by the curb. One wears a light jacket and dark trousers, while the other appears in a blue-tinted garment and greenish pants. Their bodies are oriented slightly toward each other, suggesting an informal conversation. The presence of these figures visually balances the woman and child on the opposite side.

Near them rises a post and a dark streetlamp framing the right edge. The verticality of these elements contrasts with the horizontal lines of the square and the façades. The streetlamp seems part of elegant, traditional urban furniture. Its dark color intensifies the depth of this area.

In the center of the scene a black car moves around the square. Its dark body reflects small light notes and stands out clearly against the illuminated buildings. The vehicle’s position introduces movement and places the scene in a modern city. Other cars appear parked or partially hidden near the façades.

The road curves around a central green area. This arrangement makes the square appear wide and organized, with different spaces for traffic and strolling. The grey tones of the roadway alternate with greens and reddish hues. The circular shape helps the eye travel through the entire composition.

The statue on the left rises on a light stone pedestal. It represents a human figure wearing a cape or coat, facing toward the square. Its dark silhouette stands out against the light of the sky and buildings. The monumentality of this figure suggests it is an important person for the city’s history or identity.

The pedestal has several levels and a broad base that reinforces the monument’s importance. Around it extends a garden area with grass and red flowers. This green space introduces color and creates a transition between the statue, the street and the buildings. Some people seem to walk near the monument, reinforcing its role as a meeting point.

The red flowers surrounding the statue form a highly visible warm band. Their color contrasts with the greens of the lawn and with the dark tones of the base. Although simple, they bring joy and care to the public space. The square is perceived not only as a place of passage but also as a space designed for contemplation and rest.

The background buildings feature façades in ochre, yellow, brown and cream tones. Their windows are regularly distributed and some show small balconies or dark frames. The light makes the central buildings appear particularly warm. This clarity contrasts with the darker buildings on either side.

The large central building has several floors and a façade organized by a succession of windows and balconies. Its yellow and golden tones draw the eye and make the structure one of the scene’s main focal points. The reddish roof adds a warm note that dialogizes with the flowers and with the clothing of some figures. The architecture conveys elegance and historic character.

On the left rises a darker building, represented with deep browns and grays. Its curved façade follows the square’s path and has numerous vertically distributed windows. The shadow that covers this construction creates a strong contrast with the central brightness. This difference helps direct the eye toward the streets in the background.

On the right side appear buildings of varied styles and heights. Some have dark façades, while others show yellow walls, red roofs and ornamental details. A tower or spire rises at the top edge, partially cut off by the border. This architectural diversity enriches the urban landscape and suggests a city formed over different eras.

The streets opening between the buildings create a strong sense of depth. The road near the monument narrows progressively and disappears between distant façades. Other small streets seem to continue behind the central buildings. This arrangement invites imagining the rest of the city beyond the square.

The sky occupies almost the upper half and is covered by large clouds in gray, white, bluish and greenish tones. Some masses appear particularly dark, while others receive a clear light that highlights their edges. The contrast suggests changing weather, possibly after a storm. The atmosphere retains moisture but also renewed clarity.

Among the clouds small brighter spaces open that allow light to enter. This clarity is projected onto the central façades and onto certain areas of the pavement. The buildings seem to alternate between shadow and light as the clouds pass. The urban landscape thus acquires a lively, changing appearance.

The work captures a quotidian moment without depicting any extraordinary event. People stroll, chat or cross the square; vehicles move; and the city continues its usual rhythm. However, the post-rain light transforms these simple actions and lends them a special beauty. The space seems washed and filled with renewed freshness.

The composition is balanced by the distribution of large masses. The dark buildings at the extremes frame the bright façades in the center; the statue balances the figures on the right side; and the sky opens above the square. The curved lines of the road soften the rigidity of the architecture. All is joined by the humid atmosphere and by the diffused light.

Warm and cool colors coexist harmoniously. The yellows and ochres of the buildings provide warmth, while the blues and greys of the sky and ground convey freshness. The reds of the flowers and clothing introduce vitality. The greens of the garden and of some reflections balance the ensemble and connect nature with architecture.

Overall, the work represents an elegant urban square after rain, where pedestrians and cars circulate around a monument surrounded by gardens and historic buildings. The wet pavement, the big clouds and the light illuminating the façades create a fresh, dynamic and slightly nostalgic atmosphere. The painting celebrates the beauty of everyday city life and turns a common moment into a scene full of depth, movement and character.