William Michael Harnett

William Michael Harnett was an American painter born in 1848 and active until his death in 1892. He is best known for his contributions to the Realism movement, particularly through his still-life paintings that often featured everyday objects and intricate details. Harnett's work gained significant recognition for its trompe-l'œil technique, which created the illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. He was a prominent figure in the art community of his time, exhibiting widely and influencing subsequent generations of artists. Despite his success, Harnett struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life, and his health declined in his later years. His legacy endures through his meticulous and innovative approach to realism in art.