Still Life with Pewter Candlestick and Clarinet

William Michael Harnett

Created:
Movement:
1881
Realism
key Notes:
Trompe-l'œil realism, Musical still life.
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Dimensions:
20 1/8 x 30 1/4 in. (51.1 x 76.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

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Still Life with Pewter Candlestick and Clarinet by William Michael Harnett

William Michael Harnett (1848–1892) was an American painter renowned for his trompe-l'œil still lifes, a genre that aims to deceive the viewer's eye with its realistic depiction of objects. Created in 1881, Still Life with Pewter Candlestick and Clarinet exemplifies Harnett's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to render textures and surfaces with striking realism. The painting features a carefully arranged composition of everyday objects, including a pewter candlestick and a clarinet, showcasing Harnett's skill in capturing the interplay of light and shadow. This work is significant in the context of American art history as it reflects the 19th-century fascination with realism and the material culture of the time. Harnett's paintings often invite viewers to contemplate the nature of perception and reality, contributing to the broader trompe-l'œil tradition. His influence is evident in the works of later American artists who continued to explore the boundaries of realism and illusion.

Description of the work:

Still Life with Pewter Candlestick and Clarinet by William Michael Harnett

Created in 1881, "Still Life with Pewter Candlestick and Clarinet" by William Michael Harnett is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the trompe-l'œil style, characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and illusionistic representation. The composition features a carefully arranged assortment of objects, including a pewter candlestick and a clarinet, showcasing Harnett's skill in rendering textures and surfaces with remarkable realism.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Still Life with Pewter Candlestick and Clarinet