Woman Holding an Apple (c. 1550) by Titian

  • Artwork Name
    Woman Holding an Apple (c. 1550)
  • Artist
    Titian (c. 1488-1576), Italian
  • Dimensions
    Oil on canvas
  • Collection Source
    Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • License
    Public Domain Content: Free for Personal & Commercial Use
  • 3013 x 4000 pixels, JPEG, 14.44 MB
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About the Artist

Titian

Titian (c. 1488-1576), Italian, Titian was a Venetian painter and one of the most important members of the Venetian school during the Renaissance. Known for his use of color and his ability to create rich, vivid portraits, landscapes, and religious scenes, Titian revolutionized Venetian painting. His techniques, especially his handling of light and texture, were groundbreaking for his time. His works, such as 'The Assumption of the Virgin' and 'Venus of Urbino,' have been celebrated for their sensuality and depth of emotion.

Artwork Story

Titian’s ‘Woman Holding an Apple’ captures a moment of quiet contemplation, where the subject’s gaze lingers somewhere beyond the viewer, her fingers lightly brushing the fruit as if weighing its significance. The warm, earthy tones of her dress contrast with the soft glow of her skin, while the apple—small yet vivid—hints at deeper symbolism, perhaps echoing themes of temptation or abundance. There’s an intimacy in the way her hand cradles the fruit, suggesting a private thought or unspoken story. Titian’s brushwork feels alive here, with loose, confident strokes that give life to fabric folds and the subtle play of light.

Painted around 1550, the work reflects Titian’s mastery of portraiture, blending realism with poetic ambiguity. Is she offering the apple or withdrawing it? The ambiguity invites interpretation, much like the faint smile that flickers at the corners of her mouth. Unlike grand historical scenes, this painting thrives on quiet mystery, drawing viewers into its hushed, almost tactile world. The background dissolves into shadow, ensuring all focus remains on her poised gesture—a masterclass in drawing meaning from simplicity.

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