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 portion of watermelon and a small bluish fruit arranged on a table against a dark background. The painting stands out for its excellent technique and the high pictorial quality it conveys.

• Framed dimensions: 47.5x42x5 cm.
• Unframed dimensions: 27x22 cm.
• Oil on board hand-signed by the artist at the bottom left.
• 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 included photographs are an integral part of the lot description.

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 packing and the transportation 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 portion 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 represented elements. 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 portion 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 interior’s bright, luminous red 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 on the pulp. Although these are small details, their dark color strongly stands out against the red and emphasizes the fruit’s identity. These seeds provide visual rhythm and break the surface’s uniformity, guiding the eye toward the central area of the watermelon.

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

In the bottom-right corner there is a second round fruit, depicted with blues, violets, turquoises and whites. It could be a plum, a small apple or an imagined fruit reinterpreted through color. Its presence balances the watermelon’s large size and adds a second point of interest to the composition.

The relationship between the two fruits is particularly attractive due to the contrast of scale. 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 full of variations, shadows and small organic shapes. This irregular surface creates a deep and mysterious atmosphere, preventing the scene from looking completely flat. The blacks, grays, browns and whitish tones lend sobriety and allow the fruit colors to stand out even more.

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

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

The chromatic range combines neutral tones with intensely bright accents. The watermelon’s red symbolizes vitality, freshness and energy, while the blues and violets bring serenity and depth. The grays of the background create a quiet, restrained atmosphere, making everyday foods take on a nearly symbolic character.

The work turns a simple scene into an image full of personality. The watermelon ceases to be just 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 portion of watermelon and a small fruit on a table, set against 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, transforming them into protagonists of a composition full of color, freshness and character.