Artwork
Woman Holding Fruit
Woman Holding Fruit is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts a woman positioned in profile, holding a single red fruit.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a woman positioned in profile, holding a single red fruit. Her figure is rendered with warm, yellow-toned skin, contrasting with her attire of a light top, dark belt, and a red skirt with a dark hem. The background appears aged and fractured, allowing the central figure and the fruit to emerge prominently from the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure holds what appears to be an apple, presented with a relaxed yet somewhat rigid posture. Her gaze is directed away from the viewer, contributing to a sense of quiet contemplation. The simplicity of the subject—a woman with a fruit—invites interpretation regarding symbolism often associated with such imagery in art history.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a distinct approach to texture, evident in the application of paint. Certain areas feature a thick impasto, creating a tactile, rough surface that adds depth to the forms. The warm palette of the woman's skin and the vibrant red of her skirt and the fruit are accentuated by the subdued, aged quality of the background, contributing to a strong visual contrast.
Artist & collection
