APPLE

of THE MET

Art has often being utilized as a mirror to reflect our history, it’s a pair of lenses which enable us to look deepen into our culture to see what was popular around which time period, also help us questioning why? And Apple appears in many religious traditions, often as a mystical or forbidden fruit. Do you know how many artworks in the Met Museum depict an apple? Let’s explore!

Geographic Distribution

173 APPLES

There are 173 identified “apples” in Met (exclude those with restricted access), they are neither made by well-known artists nor possesses a significant position in art history, but they are very diverse in terms of using media and formatting.

43 / 130

Some of these artworks have the word 'apple' in their title while others don't. Among these artworks only 43 of them have the word ‘apple’ in their titles, these artworks either depict apple as the ‘protagonist’ of the picture or it’s been given symbolic meanings.

130 of them don't prounuce 'apple' in their names but apple is one of the subjects that's been hidden in the artwork, quietly playing it's supporting part.

  • Has 'Apple' In The Title
  • No 'Apple' In The Title
  • Other Popular Words
  • "Child"---14/173
  • "Still Life"---9/173
  • "Virgin"---7/173
  • "Fruit"---7/173
  • "Holding"---7/173
  • "Madonna"---6/173
  • "Eve"---6/173

Mediums

These 'apples' were made out of different materials, the Met collection included apples of 15 different mediums, such as painting, sculpture and textile.

Guess which are top five popular mediums?

  • Top Five Mediums
  • Paintings(46)-----26.74%
  • Prints(45)-----26.16%
  • Sculpture(23)-----13.37%
  • Porcelain(10)-----5.81%
  • Drawing(10)-----5.81%

Apple & Hand

After looking at and cropping apples one by one I realized that the most frequent depiction of an apple (whether it's a painting or a sculpture) is to be holden by a hand. I wondered why? Based on my (limited) research, it may has some symbolic meanings behind.

The notion of the apple as a symbol of sin is reflected in artistic renderings of the fall from Eden. When held in Adam's hand, the apple symbolises sin. But, when Christ is portrayed holding an apple, he represents the Second Adam who brings life.

Where's the apple?

Some of the apples are easy to spot while others are well-hidden inside the frame.
Challenge yourself to see how far can you go :)