“Portrait with Apples (Portrait of the Artist’s Wife)” is an oil on canvas painting created in 1909 by the German Expressionist artist August Macke. The artwork, categorized within the Expressionism art movement, presents a poignant portrait genre piece. The painting measures 66 x 59.5 cm and offers an intimate glimpse into the personal life of the artist through its subject matter.
The artwork features a woman, identified as the artist’s wife, standing with a calm and contemplative expression. She is holding a plate of apples, denoting a sense of simplicity and domesticity. The background is dark, which contrasts with the woman’s lighter-toned attire and the vibrant colors of the apples she holds. The right side of the composition is occupied by a golden drape, adding warmth to the overall palette and creating a harmonious balance in the composition. The painting adeptly captures the essence of the Expressionist movement through its emotional depth and vivid use of color and form.