Still Life—Violin and Music

William Michael Harnett

Created:
Movement:
1888
Realism
key Notes:
Trompe-l'œil realism, Musical symbolism
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Dimensions:
40 x 30 in. (101.6 x 76.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

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Still Life—Violin and Music by William Michael Harnett

Still Life—Violin and Music, created in 1888 by William Michael Harnett, is an exemplary work of trompe-l'œil, a technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Harnett, an Irish-American painter, was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to render objects with striking realism. This painting, executed in oil on canvas, showcases his skill in capturing the textures and forms of musical instruments and sheet music, inviting viewers to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow. Harnett's work had a significant impact on the American still life genre, influencing subsequent artists who sought to emulate his precision and technique. His paintings often evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation, reflecting the cultural and artistic milieu of late 19th-century America. Harnett's legacy endures through his contributions to the development of still life painting, particularly in the realm of illusionistic art.

Description of the work:

Still Life—Violin and Music by William Michael Harnett

Created in 1888, "Still Life—Violin and Music" by William Michael Harnett is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the trompe-l'œil style, skillfully depicting a violin, sheet music, and other musical elements with striking realism. The artwork is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Still Life—Violin and Music