Apple Tree

Ruth Bernhard Archive, Princeton University Art Museum. © Trustees of Princeton University

Apple Tree

Currently not on view

Apple Tree,

1970, printed 1976

Ruth Bernhard, 1905–2006; born Berlin, Germany; died San Francisco, CA
x1994-73.2
Bernhard shot this apple tree through a mosquito net at the home of a friend in Santa Rosa, California. The photograph was taken during a rainstorm, and droplets of water cling to the mesh, obscuring the details of the bark and the leaves of the tree, which appears as a flattened silhouette against the surface of the screen. Bernhard attributed the apple tree special significance as a result of her memory of the German children’s fable Gold-Maria and Pitch-Maria, in which an animated tree provides its bounty to a generous girl but withholds apples from her selfish half-sister. The photograph’s shadowy tree evokes the magical tone of the tale.

Information

Title
Apple Tree
Dates

1970, printed 1976

Maker
Ruth Bernhard
Medium
Gelatin silver print
Dimensions
19.2 x 24.5 cm. (7 9/16 x 9 5/8 in.) mount: 42.9 x 35.3 cm (16 7/8 x 13 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Object Number
x1994-73.2
Inscription
signed in pencil,recto below lower right corner: Ruth Bernhard More on card
Culture
American
Type
black-and-white photographs, photographs
Subject
rain, dots, apple trees, screens (furniture)

Given to the Princeton University Art Museum by Ruth Bernhard (1905–2006).

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