The Artist's Letter Rack

"The Artist's Letter Rack," created by William Michael Harnett in 1879, is a still life that showcases the artist's skill in trompe-l'œil, depicting a wooden letter rack filled with letters and various objects. The painting exemplifies Harnett's interest in realism and the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes his work, reflecting the cultural context of 19th-century America where such domestic scenes were popular.

"The Artist's Letter Rack" by William Michael Harnett, created in 1879, is an oil on canvas still life that features a wooden letter rack filled with letters, postcards, and various objects, meticulously arranged to emphasize texture and detail. The composition is characterized by its realistic depiction of light and shadow, showcasing Harnett's skill in trompe-l'œil techniques that create an illusion of three-dimensionality.