William M. Harnett

William Harnett, known as America’s foremost “trompe l’oeil” still-life painter, became renowned in the late 19th century for his precise, illusionistic paintings. Harnett’s work often depicted objects like hanging game, antiques, and everyday items, showcasing his exceptional skill in creating lifelike details. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, then the National Academy of Design and the Cooper Union in New York. He spent time in Munich, where he studied at the Academy, and briefly exhibited in Paris.
Harnett’s career was cut short by illness, and he died in 1892 at age 44. For decades after his death, his work was largely overlooked until a 1939 exhibition by Edith Halpert revived interest. Her efforts, including the acquisition of his last painting Old Models, led to renewed recognition of Harnett’s exceptional talent. Today, his works are considered masterpieces of American realism.