Luján Segura (XX) - Vanitas-Stillleben

Atmospheric Vanitas still life in Baroque style with a candle and crucifix – oil on canvas – 1984

For the auction stands a beautifully executed oil painting on canvas from the 20th century, which represents a masterful homage to the classical Dutch and Spanish old masters of the 17th century. The artwork impresses with an intense chiaroscuro technique (light-dark painting), which gives the entire composition a warm, intimate, and dramatic atmosphere.

Symbolism & Composition:
The scene shows a classical vanitas arrangement inviting reflection on the transience of life and worldly pleasures. The objects are lit almost exclusively by the glow of a single burning candle:

The burning candle:
A central symbol of the inexorable passage of time.
The pipe, books & documents: On a stack of books lies a tobacco pipe together with opened papers, representing worldly knowledge, contracts, and fleeting moments.

The glasses: A tall amber wine glass and an elegant, flat crystal bowl capture the light artistically and symbolize earthly pleasures.

The crucifix: In the background rises a simple wooden cross, forming a spiritual reference point for faith and eternity amidst the worldly objects.

Technical Details & Provenance:
The artist demonstrates high academic skill, particularly in the soft blending of light gradients and the precise reflections of candlelight on glass surfaces.

-Medium: Oil on canvas, stretched on a sturdy wooden panel with tightening keys.
-Signature: Bottom right hand-signed and dated by the artist: “Luján Segura 84”.
-Frame including measurements: 83 x 63 cm
-Measurements of the painting alone: 68 x 49 cm

-Frame: Included as an accessory in delivery. It is a heavy, high-quality frame of dark polished wood with an elegant gold inner lip, which perfectly underlines the painting’s warm tones.

-Historical markings: The back of the canvas and stretcher bear official Polish cultural and customs stamps with the inscription “...nie podlega zakazowi wywozu za granicę” (Not subject to export prohibition abroad), which wonderfully documents the trade and provenance history from the mid-1980s.

Condition:
-Painting: Excellent, solid condition. The paint layer is well preserved and the canvas tension is good.
-Frame: Good, solid condition with small, age-related surface scratches (please see the detail photos). Small paint lifting, see images.