The artwork “Apples” is a genre painting by the artist Albert Joseph Moore. Crafted in 1875, this piece is rendered in oil on canvas, adhering to the stylistic principles of Academicism. The painting presents an intimate tableau with dimensions of 50.8 by 29.2 centimeters, and it is currently housed within a private collection, accessible only to select individuals or on rare public exhibition occasions.
The artwork depicts a serene and somewhat melancholic scene of two women reclining across from each other atop a chaise longue. Their postures and the intimate setting suggest a private, reflective moment. The drapery of their classical garments—delicate and carefully rendered—exudes an air of elegance and softness that characterize Moore’s meticulous attention to texture and detail. The cool palette is composed of pale pinks, blues, and earth tones that imbue the scene with a gentle tranquility.
Behind the figures, a wall adorned with decorative floral patterns serves as a backdrop, with the details of the flora echoing the organic theme suggested by the work’s title, “Apples.” Below the chaise, a carpet with geometric designs augments the richness of the setting—yet, despite such opulence, there is a simplicity and stillness in the composition that is reflective of the academic style of the era.
To the foreground, well-placed domestic objects—a fan, a ball, and vase—anchor the scene in everyday life, though their arrangement and handling also denote a carefully composed stillness. These items, particularly the two vases flanking the composition, complement the women’s repose and add depth to the composition. The peacefulness in the figures’ faces and the overall tranquility of the scene evoke a sense of timeless beauty, as was often sought in the art of Academicism.
