Miquel Torner de Semir (1938) - La fruta azul

Pictura Subastas presents this magnificent artwork by Miquel Torner de Semir, depicting a still life formed by a large slice of watermelon and a small bluish fruit arranged on a table in front of a dark background. The painting stands out for its excellent technique and the high pictorial quality it conveys.

• Frame dimensions: 47.5 x 42 x 5 cm.
• Unframed dimensions: 27 x 22 cm.
• Oil on board signed by the artist in the lower left corner.
• The piece is in good conservation condition.
• The work is sold with a precious frame (included in the auction as a gift).

The work comes from an exclusive private collection in Girona.

Important note: the included photographs are an integral part of the lot description.

The painting will be professionally boxed 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 by Correos, GLS or NACEX with tracking. International shipping is available.

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This painting presents an original still life featuring a large slice of watermelon and a small round fruit, arranged on a surface in shades of gray, green and brown. The composition stands out for the strength of its contrasts and the simplicity of the elements depicted. Against a sober dark background, the intense red of the watermelon and the cool colors of the fruit in the foreground acquire an immediate and powerful presence.

The watermelon slice occupies the center and the left side of the scene, becoming the main focal point. Its curved shape stretches horizontally and adds dynamism to the composition. The bright, luminous red interior contrasts with the green and bluish rind that runs along its lower part, creating a clear and easily recognizable silhouette.

Several black seeds appear irregularly distributed on the pulp. Although they are small details, their dark color strongly stands out against the red and sharpens the fruit’s identity. These seeds provide visual rhythm and break the surface’s uniformity, guiding the gaze toward the central area of the watermelon.

The rind shows a mix of deep greens, turquoises, blues and small lighter patches. This chromatic variety establishes a transition between the warmth of the interior and the gray tones of the surroundings. The dark edge delimiting the fruit reinforces its volume and clearly separates it from the surface on which it rests.

In the lower right corner appears a second, rounded fruit, depicted in tones of blue, violet, turquoise and white. It could be a plum, a small apple, or an imaginary fruit reinterpreted through color. Its presence balances the large size of the watermelon and adds a second point of interest to the composition.

The relationship between the two fruits is particularly appealing for its scale contrast. The watermelon visually dominates the scene with its broad shape and intense red, while the small fruit introduces a delicate, cool note. Both are united by their dark outlines and the way they rest on the same surface.

The background consists of a wide dark gray area rich in variations, shadows and small organic shapes. This irregular surface creates a deep, mysterious atmosphere, preventing the scene from looking completely flat. The blacks, grays, browns and whitish tones add sobriety and allow the fruit colors to stand out even more.

On the right side a clear vertical structure is visible, pierced by black lines, resembling a window frame or an architectural element. This form introduces a geometric contrast to the fruits’ curves and adds depth to the space. The clarity of this area suggests light entering from a side, partially illuminating the scene.

The lower table or surface appears divided into different areas of gray, olive green, brown and white. The lines separating these zones create a firm base for the objects and provide stability to the composition. The watermelon seems to rest slightly tilted, while the small fruit occupies an independent space at the bottom right corner.

The chromatic range combines neutral tones with highly intensified accents. The watermelon’s red symbolizes vitality, freshness and energy, while the blues and violets provide serenity and depth. The grays of the background create a quiet, contained atmosphere, making everyday foods take on an almost symbolic character.

The work transforms a simple scene into an image full of personality. The watermelon ceases to be merely a fruit and becomes a large red form that dominates the space, while the small fruit acts as a counterpoint. The absence of other objects concentrates attention on the relationships between color, volume, proportion and space.

Overall, this painting represents a contemporary still life composed of a slice of watermelon and a small fruit on a table, in front of a dark background. The contrast between the intense red, greens, blues and gray tones creates a striking and balanced image. The work celebrates the beauty of simple, everyday objects, turning them into protagonists of a composition full of color, freshness and character.