Pere Batalla Xatruch (1893-1968) - NO RESERVE - 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 work: 65 × 54 cm

Dimensions with frame: 80 × 67 cm

Orientation: Vertical

Signature: Signed “Batalla” in the lower right corner

Framing: Wooden frame with gilded decoration and ornamental accessories in the corners, combined with broad dark bands

Conservation status: Good overall condition, with slight signs of age and use compatible with its chronology. It is recommended to carefully review the photographs, which form an integral part of the description.

2. DESCRIPTION

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

The composition depicts 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 maroons, creating a pronounced chromatic contrast.

The artist organizes the bouquet with an open, asymmetric structure, allowing some stems and flowers to protrude laterally and deliberately break the main contour of the ensemble.

In the lower area, several flowers resting on the table introduce an element of naturalness and visually extend the downward movement of the composition.

3. STYLISTIC AND COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS

The painting presents a loose and visible brushwork, especially noticeable in the flowers, solved with short, overlapping brushstrokes that model the petals through color and material.

The whites are built using a wide variety of cream, grayish, and yellowish tones, while the reddish flowers combine crimson, maroon, magenta, and violets.

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

The background, treated with pink, gray, and highly nuanced earth tones, remains deliberately undefined, allowing the flowers to stand out with greater intensity.

The diagonal formed by the white flowers on the left and the red masses on the right adds dynamism and prevents an excessively symmetric composition.

4. PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION

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

The spontaneous arrangement of the flowers avoids the rigid character of academic still lifes and gives the whole a sense of freshness and immediacy.

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

5. SIGNATURE AND AUTHORSHIP

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, theme, and painterly treatment, the work is catalogued as a work by Pere Batalla Xatruch (1893-1968).

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

6. OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

The floral genre allowed numerous painters of the 20th century 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 with greater floral accumulation.

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

It is delivered framed and ready for exhibition.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow assessing the state of conservation, the signature, the texture of the painting surface, and the frame characteristics.

7. SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS

The work will be professionally packaged 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 transport 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 actual condition of the piece.