A single ripe red apple sits on top of a thick, antique leather-bound book set at a diagonal on a weathered wooden table. A purple fabric bookmark tassel hangs at the right, and small sprigs of purple wildflowers lie at the left. Faint gilded lettering is suggested on the spine, too worn to read.

Strong directional light from the upper right throws deep shadows to the left and leaves soft gradients on the wall behind, with a sharp white highlight giving the apple its glossy sheen. Thick impasto marks the book pages and background, and the smooth apple skin contrasts with the rough, matte leather, paper and coarse wood grain. The quiet, scholarly mood recalls traditional Dutch still life.