Santiago Puig Valls (1943) - Barcelona

Pictura Subastas presents this magnificent work of art 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 heavy 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, hand-signed by the artist on the left side of the work, Puig Valls.
• The piece is in good conservation 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 an indicative mockup; there may be differences from the real article in color, scale and details.

The painting will be professionally packed by an IVEX expert (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 via 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 over the entire city. The scene combines the everyday movement of people with the solidity of the buildings and the monumentality of 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 zones of circulation forming curved and diagonal lines. These directions organize the composition and visually guide toward the center. The viewer seems to be on a corner, observing the traffic from a slightly apart position.

The pavement is one of the most expressive elements. Grays, greens, bluish and beige tones mix 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 adds 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 coat in a reddish hue, complemented by a light hat that stands out against the background. Beside her, the child wears yellow and dark garments and seems to be taking small steps. Both figures introduce a daily and affectionate scene within the expanse of the square.

The elongated shadow of these two figures falls across the ground and reinforces their presence. The woman seems to lean slightly toward the child, as if guiding or protecting him as they cross. Their warm colors contrast with the cool tones of the pavement. This small group adds human closeness and establishes a first narrative focal point.

At the far right are two men conversing or waiting beside the curb. One wears a light jacket and dark pants, while the other appears in a bluish 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.

Nearby rise a pole and a dark streetlamp that frame 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 and traditional urban furniture. Its dark color intensifies the depth of this area.

In the center of the scene a black car circulates around the square. Its dark body reflects small bright 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 partly hidden near the façades.

The road curves around a central planted area. This arrangement makes the square seem wide and organized, with different spaces for transit and strolling. The gray 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 dressed in a cloak or overcoat, facing the square. Its dark silhouette stands out against the brightness of the sky and buildings. The monumentality of this figure suggests it portrays an important person for the city’s history or identity.

The pedestal has several levels and a wide base that reinforces the monument’s importance. A surrounding garden area with grass and red flowers extends around it. 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 function as a meeting point.

The red flowers surrounding the statue form a warm, very visible band. Their color contrasts with the greens of the grass and with the dark tones of the base. Although simple in appearance, they bring joy and care to the public space. The square is not just a passing place but a space designed for contemplation and rest.

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

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

To the left rises a darker building, depicted with deep browns and grays. Its curved façade follows the square’s layout and features numerous vertically distributed windows. The shade covering this construction creates a strong contrast with the central brightness. This difference helps direct the gaze 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 far right edge, partially cut off by the border. This architectural diversity enriches the urban landscape and suggests a city formed across different eras.

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

The sky occupies almost the upper half and is filled with large clouds in gray, white, bluish and greenish tones. Some masses appear especially dark, while others receive a clear light that illuminates their edges. The contrast suggests varying weather, possibly after a storm. The atmosphere retains humidity, but also a renewed clarity.

Among the clouds small brighter spaces open up that allow light to enter. This clarity projects 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 gains a lively and changing appearance.

The work captures a daily moment without depicting any extraordinary event. People stroll, chat or cross the square; vehicles move; and the city continues its usual pace. However, the post-rain light transforms these simple actions and endows them with a special beauty. The space seems freshly washed and full of 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 offsets the figures on the right; and the sky opens over the square. The curved lines of the road soften the rigidity of the architecture. Everything is united by the misty atmosphere and by the diffused light.

The warm and cool colors coexist harmoniously. The yellows and ochres of the buildings give warmth, while the blues and grays of the sky and ground convey freshness. The reds of the flowers and clothing introduce vitality. The greens of the garden and certain reflections balance the whole 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 large clouds, and the light illuminating the façades create a fresh, dynamic and lightly 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.