ArtDependence | Symbolism in Art: The Apple (2024)

FAQs

What does the apple symbolize in art? ›

The apple can mean just about anything: temptation and the fall, innocence and knowledge, immortality and death, love and sexuality, fertility and decay. No wonder it's provided such a windfall for artists – from Greek vase painters to Pop artists.

In The Giver, the apple symbolizes change. For instance, the apple appears in the book in chapter three when Asher and Jonas are playing catch with the apple, and the apple starts to change. Lowry writes, “But suddenly Jonas had noticed...the apple had changed” (21-22).

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. This difference reflects the evolution of the symbol in Christianity.

The apples in both cases are solid gold, beautiful to behold, and grant immortality. An obvious symbol they represent is immortality because it is the power they grant when eaten.

Instead of using a ❤️, they may use a 🍎. This is a cute and unique way to show love and affection. If your partner sends you a single 🍎, it could be them saying, “I love you.” “You're the best🍎” “I love you to the moon and back🍎”

The forbidden fruit is commonly thought of as an apple, but the Bible never actually says what fruit it was. Regardless, the effects of Eve and Adam eating it were fatal.

Members of the Community are colorblind and have no concept of color. The apple and its color are some of the most prevalent examples of symbolism in The Giver and an initial foreshadowing to the conflict that will arise when Jonas decides to fight back against his Community.

What does the apple symbolize in ''The Giver''? In The Giver, Jonas steals an apple after he sees it change. He did not know at the time, but he saw the color red. The apple and its color symbolize Jonas's ability to ''See Beyond,'' which is part of the reason he was selected as the Receiver of Memory.

Over time, the humble apple took on a more symbolic meaning. Apples were seen as a representation of knowledge and wisdom, and by giving one to a teacher, students acknowledged the importance of education in their lives.

The fruit, like human life, is intended to portray the transient nature related to our existence. Fresh fruit, represents fertility, vitality, youth, and abundance. When the fruit is in a state of decay, however, it characterises the inevitable and undeniable mortality of our presence in the world.

What does the fruit mean in painting? ›

Perishable and ephemeral just like a human life, fruit served as a representation of the transient nature of our existence. While fresh and ripe fruit represented a symbol of abundance, bounty, fertility, youth and vitality, decayed ones served as a reminder of our own undeniable mortality and inevitability of change.

The Crystal Apple – An Enduring Symbol

It makes the perfect award for someone whose wisdom has provided great leadership. In business, an apple represents productivity and abundance. As an award, it can be given to someone who has helped a business and a community thrive.