We only know of about twenty still lifes painted by Henner and they are characterised by the simplicity of their composition: one or several fruit (apple, pear or peach) placed on the edge of a table. For Still life with yellow apple, Henner painted on an unusual medium, the lid of a cigar box, and used the outline of its stamp to shape the apple.  The soft brush strokes and rather gentle use of light suggests that he painted this towards the end of his life.