William Michael Harnett
American
William Michael Harnett began painting still lifes early in his career, initially limiting himself to the fruit and flower subjects common in 17th-century Dutch painting. In 1876, perhaps influenced by the foreign objects, art, and antiques that he saw at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, Harnett began to paint manmade items as well, such as musical instruments, books, beer mugs, and smoking pipes.
Born
1848
Died
1892
Where would you hang this painting?
This painting originally found a home in a New York City saloon, where customers often debated which of the depicted objects were painted and which were actually real. Harnett’s popular pictures also hung in department stores and hotel lobbies, securing an artistic reputation for the painter beyond the walls of museums and galleries.
Medium
Oil on canvas
Credit
Gift of Henry K.S. Williams
Item ID
1940.93
Dimensions
71 1/2 x 48 1/2 in. (181.6 x 123.2 cm)
Date
1885
Country
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Artist name
William Michael Harnett
Artwork location