Pere Batalla Xatruch (1893-1968) - Vase with Carnations

1. TECHNICAL FILE

Author: Pere Batalla Xatruch (1893-1968)

School: Catalan School

Chronology: First half - mid-20th century

Genre / theme: Floral still life

Technique: Oil on canvas

Support: Canvas

Dimensions of the artwork: 65 × 54 cm

Dimensions with frame: 80 × 67 cm

Orientation: Vertical

Signature: Signed “Batalla” in the lower right corner

Framing: Wooden frame with gold decoration and ornamental applications in the corners, combined with wide dark bands

Conservation status: Good overall condition, with slight signs of age and wear compatible with its chronology. It is recommended to examine the photographs closely, which are an integral part of the description.

2. DESCRIPTION

Oil on canvas signed by Pere Batalla Xatruch, a painter linked to the Catalan pictorial tradition of the 20th century.

The composition presents an exuberant bouquet of flowers arranged in an elegant dark vase, placed on a table partially covered by a light cloth. The floral arrangement is dominated by masses of white and red flowers, mauves and garnets, creating a pronounced chromatic contrast.

The artist organizes the bouquet with an open, asymmetric structure, allowing some stems and flowers to project sideways and deliberately break the main contour of the arrangement.

In the lower area, several flowers deposited on the table introduce a natural element and visually extend the downward movement of the composition.

3. STYLISTIC AND COMPOSitional ANALYSIS

The painting features a loose and visible brushwork, especially noticeable in the flowers, resolved with short, overlapping strokes that model the petals through color and matter.

The whites are built from a wide variety of cream, grayish and yellowish tones, while the reddish flowers combine carmine, garnet, magenta and violets.

The dark vase acts as a vertical axis and chromatic counterpoint to the floral ensemble. Its volume is constructed through green, blue and bluish reflections that define the form without resorting to rigid drawing.

The background, treated with pink, gray and earth tones, remains deliberately not well defined, allowing the flowers to stand out with greater intensity.

The diagonal formed by the white flowers on the left and the reddish masses on the right adds dynamism and avoids an overly symmetric composition.

4. PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION

The still life conveys a sense of abundance, vitality and elegance.

The spontaneous arrangement of the flowers avoids the rigidity of academic still lifes and gives the ensemble a sense of freshness and immediacy.

The contrasts between luminous whites, intense reds and the dark central vase generate a warm, decorative atmosphere, while the flowers fallen on the table introduce a note of naturalness and a certain fleeting quality.

5. SIGNATURE AND AUTHENTICITY

The work appears signed “Batalla” in the lower right corner.

The signature is clearly visible and integrated directly into the pictorial surface.

Based on its technical characteristics, subject matter and painterly treatment, the work is catalogued as a piece by Pere Batalla Xatruch (1893-1968).

The free brushwork, interest in painterly matter and chromatic treatment of the still life correspond to a sensibility fully integrated into 20th-century Catalan painting.

6. OTHER INTERESTING DATA

The floral genre allowed numerous 20th-century painters to explore especially the possibilities of color, texture and brushwork.

In this work, the combination between naturalistic observation and painterly freedom stands out, particularly evident in the areas of greatest floral accumulation.

The piece also presents a significant decorative component thanks to its dimensions, chromatic intensity and elaborate framing.

It is delivered framed and ready for display.

The photographs form an integral part of the description and allow appreciating the state of conservation, the signature, the texture of the painted surface and the characteristics of the frame.

7. SHIPMENT AND CONDITIONS

The work will be professionally packed by Barcelona Art Gallery.

To ensure proper protection during transport, a custom-made box, specific protections and foam reinforcements will be used.

We ship worldwide via a professional transportation company.

The packaging is prepared individually according to the characteristics, dimensions and fragility of each work.

It is recommended to carefully review all the photographs, as they form an integral part of the description and show the real state of conservation of the piece.