Cristóbal Olmedo (1957) - Garlic Still Life





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Garlic Still Life, an oil painting from 1990 by Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda, Spain, in contemporary Spanish realism, 55 × 31 cm, sold with frame.
Description from the seller
CRISTÓBAL OLMEDO ARANDA (1957)
Garlic Still Life — Spanish Contemporary Realism
1. TECHNICAL DATA
Author: Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda (Luque, Córdoba, 1957)
School: Spanish
Period: 1990
Style: Contemporary realism. Still life with an intimate character
Technique: Oil on panel
Dimensions of the work: 34 x 10 cm
Dimensions with frame: 55 x 31 cm
Theme: Still life with garlic
Signature: Signed Cristóbal Olmedo in reddish tones. The inscription seems accompanied by the number 90, possibly corresponding to the year of execution.
Condition: Generally good apparent condition of the painting. Wooden frame with a rustic aged finish, visible nicks and surface irregularities. It is recommended to carefully consult the photographs, which form part of the description.
2. DESCRIPTION
A singular small-format still life executed in oil on panel by Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda, a contemporary Spanish painter particularly interested in the representation of everyday objects and their material qualities.
The composition presents a small group of garlic cloves, carefully depicted on a background of brownish and earthy tones, whose surface seems to reproduce an old, time-worn wood.
The artist concentrates all attention on this humble subject, describing with great delicacy the whitish skins, the pinkish hues of the bulbs, and the fine roots protruding from the set.
The contrast between the luminosity of the garlic and the depth of the dark background gives the painting a particularly evocative visual presence.
3. STYLISTIC, COMPOSITIONAL AND EXPRESSIVE ANALYSIS
The painting constitutes an interesting exercise in contemporary realism, characterized by descriptive precision and a composition of extraordinary economy of elements.
The handling of textures stands out, especially in the delicate membranes of the garlic and the aged surface of the background, built with glazes, chromatic variations, and brush marks.
The pronounced vertical format emphasizes the isolation of the subject, while the ample empty space introduces a sense of stillness and contemplation.
The work seems to invite the viewer to pause before what is usually overlooked, discovering beauty and uniqueness in something as simple as a group of garlic.
4. SIGNATURE AND ARTIST’S CAREER
The work bears a reddish inscription whose reading corresponds to Cristóbal Olmedo, accompanied by a possible chronological reference.
Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda was born in Luque, Córdoba, in 1957. He began his solo exhibition career in 1980 and has developed a career linked to contemporary figurative painting, notable for his interest in everyday objects and the realistic representation of their material qualities.
Among his recognitions are the Second Painting Prize of Majadahonda, obtained in 1982, the Aboleng Honor Medal of Madrid, in 1989, and the Honor Medal of the La Caja Painting Prize, in Córdoba, in 1992.
His artistic activity includes solo and group exhibitions, as well as participation in international fairs such as Art Chicago, Art Miami and Arte Santander.
His production is documented on specialized art market platforms and in catalogs of Spanish auction houses.
5. OTHER INTERESTING DATA
The still life occupies a fundamental place in the history of Spanish painting, especially since the 17th century, when artists such as Juan Sánchez Cotán and Luis Meléndez demonstrated that the humblest objects could become protagonists of compositions of extraordinary visual intensity.
This work participates in that sensibility toward the quotidian from a contemporary and personal language, without this historical reference implying a documented direct influence.
It is particularly interesting the artistic philosophy of Cristóbal Olmedo, who has publicly expressed his preference for simple, used, or apparently insignificant objects, to which he seeks to confer a new dimension through painting.
The work is presented in a sturdy dark, deeply textured wooden frame, whose presence reinforces the austere character of the still life and establishes an attractive dialogue between the real matter and the represented.
An intimate and singular painting that reminds us how art can transform the most ordinary elements of our life into objects worthy of contemplation.
6. SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS
The work will be packed by a professional specialized company in a custom-made box with foam protections adapted to the piece’s characteristics.
We ship to all parts of the world.
Shipping of large formats, far destinations, or countries outside the European Union may incur additional costs, which will be communicated according to applicable conditions and rates.
The frame is considered a complementary element of presentation, without prejudice to the rights that correspond to the buyer.
The photographs form part of the description and allow a detailed assessment of the artwork’s condition.
PROPOSED ENGLISH TITLE
Cristóbal Olmedo (1957) — Garlic Still Life, Spanish Contemporary Realism
Seller's Story
CRISTÓBAL OLMEDO ARANDA (1957)
Garlic Still Life — Spanish Contemporary Realism
1. TECHNICAL DATA
Author: Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda (Luque, Córdoba, 1957)
School: Spanish
Period: 1990
Style: Contemporary realism. Still life with an intimate character
Technique: Oil on panel
Dimensions of the work: 34 x 10 cm
Dimensions with frame: 55 x 31 cm
Theme: Still life with garlic
Signature: Signed Cristóbal Olmedo in reddish tones. The inscription seems accompanied by the number 90, possibly corresponding to the year of execution.
Condition: Generally good apparent condition of the painting. Wooden frame with a rustic aged finish, visible nicks and surface irregularities. It is recommended to carefully consult the photographs, which form part of the description.
2. DESCRIPTION
A singular small-format still life executed in oil on panel by Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda, a contemporary Spanish painter particularly interested in the representation of everyday objects and their material qualities.
The composition presents a small group of garlic cloves, carefully depicted on a background of brownish and earthy tones, whose surface seems to reproduce an old, time-worn wood.
The artist concentrates all attention on this humble subject, describing with great delicacy the whitish skins, the pinkish hues of the bulbs, and the fine roots protruding from the set.
The contrast between the luminosity of the garlic and the depth of the dark background gives the painting a particularly evocative visual presence.
3. STYLISTIC, COMPOSITIONAL AND EXPRESSIVE ANALYSIS
The painting constitutes an interesting exercise in contemporary realism, characterized by descriptive precision and a composition of extraordinary economy of elements.
The handling of textures stands out, especially in the delicate membranes of the garlic and the aged surface of the background, built with glazes, chromatic variations, and brush marks.
The pronounced vertical format emphasizes the isolation of the subject, while the ample empty space introduces a sense of stillness and contemplation.
The work seems to invite the viewer to pause before what is usually overlooked, discovering beauty and uniqueness in something as simple as a group of garlic.
4. SIGNATURE AND ARTIST’S CAREER
The work bears a reddish inscription whose reading corresponds to Cristóbal Olmedo, accompanied by a possible chronological reference.
Cristóbal Olmedo Aranda was born in Luque, Córdoba, in 1957. He began his solo exhibition career in 1980 and has developed a career linked to contemporary figurative painting, notable for his interest in everyday objects and the realistic representation of their material qualities.
Among his recognitions are the Second Painting Prize of Majadahonda, obtained in 1982, the Aboleng Honor Medal of Madrid, in 1989, and the Honor Medal of the La Caja Painting Prize, in Córdoba, in 1992.
His artistic activity includes solo and group exhibitions, as well as participation in international fairs such as Art Chicago, Art Miami and Arte Santander.
His production is documented on specialized art market platforms and in catalogs of Spanish auction houses.
5. OTHER INTERESTING DATA
The still life occupies a fundamental place in the history of Spanish painting, especially since the 17th century, when artists such as Juan Sánchez Cotán and Luis Meléndez demonstrated that the humblest objects could become protagonists of compositions of extraordinary visual intensity.
This work participates in that sensibility toward the quotidian from a contemporary and personal language, without this historical reference implying a documented direct influence.
It is particularly interesting the artistic philosophy of Cristóbal Olmedo, who has publicly expressed his preference for simple, used, or apparently insignificant objects, to which he seeks to confer a new dimension through painting.
The work is presented in a sturdy dark, deeply textured wooden frame, whose presence reinforces the austere character of the still life and establishes an attractive dialogue between the real matter and the represented.
An intimate and singular painting that reminds us how art can transform the most ordinary elements of our life into objects worthy of contemplation.
6. SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS
The work will be packed by a professional specialized company in a custom-made box with foam protections adapted to the piece’s characteristics.
We ship to all parts of the world.
Shipping of large formats, far destinations, or countries outside the European Union may incur additional costs, which will be communicated according to applicable conditions and rates.
The frame is considered a complementary element of presentation, without prejudice to the rights that correspond to the buyer.
The photographs form part of the description and allow a detailed assessment of the artwork’s condition.
PROPOSED ENGLISH TITLE
Cristóbal Olmedo (1957) — Garlic Still Life, Spanish Contemporary Realism

