Xavier Ubach — Still Life with Two Vases — Watercolour on paper

Watercolour still life with two vessels in ochre, reddish and dark tones.

Simplified objects and earthy colours

In this watercolour, Xavier Ubach (Mataró, 1933–2025) places two vessels against a broad field of warm colour. Dark outlines and contrasting washes define their simplified shapes.

The taller vessel stands on the left beside a lower, rounded one. Ochres and reds contrast with the dark band beneath the objects and diagonal shadows in the background.

Washes and reserved paper

Dark outlines define the vessels, while washes of varying density build their volume. Irregular white areas at the top interrupt the ochre background and bring light into the composition.

Technical details

• Artist: Xavier Ubach (Mataró, 1933–2025).
• Title / Subject: Two Vases / Still life with simplified forms.
• Estimated period: Second half of the twentieth century.
• Technique and support: Watercolour and washes on paper, with irregular edges visible in the photographs.
• Documented dimensions: Approximately 16 × 21.5 cm (small horizontal format).
• Signature and inscriptions: Hand-signed with a brush “XAVIER UBACH” in the lower right corner.
• Style / Movement: Figurative Expressionism / Catalan School.
• Provenance: Private collection / Gallery holdings.
• Condition: The washes and dark outlines are visible in the photographs; the paper has irregular edges.

The Taller Note

The contrast between the tall vessel on the left and the lower, rounder one creates rhythm. Dark diagonals connect the objects to the background, while white areas at the top open up the field of warm colour.