Forbidden Fruit | Figurative Symbolic Oil Painting on Panel | Liliya Muglia

Forbidden Fruit is an original oil painting on panel, elegantly framed and measuring 18 × 24 inches (45.7 × 61 cm). The composition presents a contemplative female figure poised between allure and restraint, holding a vivid red apple while a wolf emerges at her side—an ancient symbol of instinct, vigilance, and untamed truth.

Rendered with refined realism and symbolic nuance, the work explores enduring themes of temptation, choice, and moral tension. The apple, long associated with desire and consequence, contrasts with the quiet intelligence of the wolf, suggesting a dialogue between reason and instinct rather than conflict alone. The figure’s calm expression resists overt drama, inviting the viewer into a moment of suspended decision rather than resolution.

Executed with careful attention to form, surface, and tonal balance, Forbidden Fruit bridges classical symbolism with contemporary psychological depth. The restrained palette and deliberate composition create a timeless atmosphere, allowing the narrative to unfold subtly through gesture and gaze.

The original artwork remains in the artist’s private collection and is available for acquisition.
Fine art print options are also offered for collectors seeking a carefully produced reproduction that preserves the depth, color, and symbolic detail of the original work.