Office Board

John F. Peto

Created:
Movement:
1885
Realism
key Notes:
Trompe-l'œil realism, everyday objects.
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Dimensions:
24 3/8 x 19 7/8 in. (61.9 x 50.5 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

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John F. Peto's "Office Board" (1885)

John F. Peto was an American painter known for his contributions to the trompe-l'œil style, a technique that creates the optical illusion of three-dimensionality. His painting, "Office Board", created in 1885, exemplifies this style through its meticulous attention to detail and realistic depiction of everyday objects. Peto's work often focused on themes of nostalgia and the passage of time, as seen in the worn and aged items depicted in this piece. Despite his talent, Peto's work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, overshadowed by contemporaries such as William Harnett. It was not until the mid-20th century that Peto's contributions to American art were fully appreciated, leading to a reevaluation of his place in art history. Today, "Office Board" is celebrated for its technical skill and its ability to evoke a sense of intimacy and reflection on the ephemeral nature of life.

Description of the work:

Office Board by John F. Peto

The painting "Office Board" by John F. Peto, created in 1885, is an example of trompe-l'œil, a style that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork features a meticulously detailed arrangement of papers, envelopes, and other office items pinned to a wooden board, showcasing Peto's skill in rendering texture and depth.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Office Board