The artwork titled “Aphrodite, Appledore” was created by the artist Childe Hassam in 1908. This piece is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork depicts a nude figure seated on a rock, turned away from the viewer, with an idyllic nature scene serving as the backdrop. The nude subject, presumably Aphrodite, is holding a round object, possibly a mirror, in her hand, which she uses to reflect upon herself. The backdrop features lush, green foliage that frames the scene and extends outwards towards a view of a tranquil sea on the left side. The color palette of the painting is dominated by earthy tones, with the use of light and shadow skillfully creating depth and vivacity in the landscape. The brushwork, characteristic of the Impressionist style, brings a lively texture and a sense of immediacy to the scene. The serene and introspective atmosphere of the artwork evokes a timeless elegance associated with the classical representations of the goddess Aphrodite.
