“Jane keeping an apple” is an oil on canvas artwork by Andre Derain, created in 1938, belonging to the Neoclassicism movement. The portrait measures 92 x 73 cm. It depicts a seated female figure, identified as Jane, against a dark background. She is holding an apple in her right hand and appears contemplative. Her left arm rests on a surface which also displays a bowl with several fruits and a piece of draped fabric. Jane’s attire is simple, a red top with a subtle pattern, and her expression is serene with a hint of introspection. The use of light and shadow is distinct, creating a dramatic contrast between the figure and the obscured backdrop. Derain’s rendering is characterized by a refined use of line and form, reflecting the neoclassical tendency to draw inspiration from the art and culture of classical antiquity. The painting is notable for its formal qualities and the calm, still atmosphere it conveys.
