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William Harnett Paintings for Sale

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William Michael Harnet, 1848-1892, was an Irish-American painter known for his trompe l'oeil still lifes of ordinary objects. The style of William Michael Harnett art was distinctive and inspired many imitators. What sets his oil painting apart, besides his enormous skill, is his interest in depicting objects not usually made the subject. William Michael Harnet paintings sold well, but they were more likely to be found hanging in a tavern or a business office. Today Harnett's artwork is in collections in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Amon Carter Museum (Texas), etc.. -- The Copyright of Scripts is Reserved by Toperfect.

The Auction Records / Prices of Works by William Harnett

William Harnett was an American painter who lived from 1848 to 1892 and was known for his realism, particularly for his trompe-l'oeil still life works. He was one of the most celebrated still-life painters of his time, and his works continue to be highly prized by collectors. Here are some notable auction records for works by William Harnett:

1. "Old Models" (1888): This painting was sold at Christie's New York in November 1988 for $6.6 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a work of American art at the time.

2. "The Faithful Colt" (1890): This painting was sold at Christie's New York in May 1989 for $4.4 million.

3. "A Bachelor's Drawer" (1890): This painting was sold at Sotheby's New York in November 1999 for $2.5 million.

4. "A Keg of Beer" (1884): This painting was sold at Sotheby's New York in January 2005 for $2.1 million.

5. "The Old Violin" (1886): This painting was sold at Christie's New York in April 2001 for $1.8 million.

Overall, these auction records show that William Harnett's works are highly sought after by collectors, particularly his trompe-l'oeil still life paintings. His paintings continue to command high prices in the art market, reflecting their enduring popularity and appeal.

The Biography of Artist William Michael Harnet

William Michael Harnett (1848-1892) was an American painter, considered one of the foremost artists in the trompe-l'oeil style of still-life painting. Harnett was born in Philadelphia and grew up in a working-class family that had emigrated from Ireland. He showed a talent for art from an early age and attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied under the painters Thomas Eakins and James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

Harnett began his career as a painter of landscapes and portraits, but it was his still-life paintings that would bring him fame and fortune. He was a master of the trompe-l'oeil style, which involves creating a highly realistic illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Using meticulous attention to detail, Harnett painted everyday objects such as books, letters, and musical instruments so realistically that viewers often mistook them for real objects.

Harnett's work became popular during the 1880s and 1890s, and he became one of the best-known painters in America. His paintings were exhibited in galleries across the country and won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle.

Despite his success as a painter, Harnett struggled with alcoholism and died at the young age of 44. Nevertheless, his legacy as a pioneer of the trompe-l'oeil style of painting has endured, and his works continue to be admired and collected by art lovers around the world. In 2005, one of his paintings, "A Bachelor's Drawer," sold at auction for $12 million, setting a new record for a work by an American artist.

Analyses Famous Paintings by William Michael Harnet

William Michael Harnett was an Irish-American painter known for his realism and trompe l'oeil style. Here are some analyses of some of his famous paintings:

1. "After the Hunt" (1885): This painting depicts the aftermath of a hunting trip, with a shotgun leaning against a wall and dead game hanging from a coat rack. The trompe l'oeil effect is particularly effective when looking at the shotgun and the game, which appear to be three-dimensional objects. Harnett captures the textures and details of the objects with great accuracy, showcasing his mastery of the trompe l'oeil technique.

2. "The Old Violin" (1886): In this painting, Harnett portrays an old violin hanging on a nail against a worn and weathered wooden background. Harnett's attention to detail is particularly notable in the subtle scratches and scuffs on the violin, which give the painting a sense of age and history. The use of light and shadow also accentuates the texture of the wood and the curve of the violin, adding depth and dimension to the painting.

3. "Job Lot Cheap" (c. 1878): In this painting, Harnett depicts a cluttered table filled with a variety of random items, including a newspaper, an inkwell, a quill pen, and a clay pipe. The painting is a commentary on the commercialism and consumerism of late 19th century America, with the title "Job Lot Cheap" implying a generic, mass-produced quality to the items depicted. Harnett's skillful rendering of each object, however, gives them a sense of individuality and specificity, subverting the notion that they are interchangeable.

4. "A Smoke Backstage" (1877): This painting portrays a backstage area of a theater, with a group of actors sitting and socializing together. The warm amber glow of the gas lamps creates a sense of intimacy and camaraderie, while the ornate costumes and props provide a glimpse into the theatrical world. Harnett's skill with detail is particularly evident in the expressive faces and intricate clothing of the actors, which show the realism and accuracy that characterize his works.

Overall, William Michael Harnett's paintings are known for their attention to detail and trompe l'oeil techniques. His paintings invite the viewer to closely examine everyday objects and scenes in unexpected ways, often with a touch of humor or irony.

The Features of Artworks by William Michael Harnet

William Michael Harnett was an Irish-American painter known for his still-life works, particularly his trompe-l'oeil paintings that aimed to deceive the viewer into believing that the objects depicted were real. Here are some of the features of his artworks:

1. Trompe-l'oeil painting: Harnett's most notable feature was his mastery of trompe-l'oeil painting, a technique in which objects are depicted in such a realistic manner that it creates an illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. He was able to create the illusion of objects coming out of the canvas, leading the viewer to believe that the objects were real.

2. Everyday objects: Harnett's paintings often featured everyday objects such as books, currency, musical instruments, and pipes. He was able to create compositions that were both visually appealing and intellectually engaging, as the viewer was often left wondering about the symbolic meaning behind the objects.

3. Attention to detail: Harnett was known for his attention to detail in his paintings, often spending hours to achieve the perfect rendering of an object. His paintings were highly realistic and were executed with a level of precision that was unmatched by his contemporaries.

4. Sense of humor: Despite Harnett's technical mastery, there was often a sense of humor present in his paintings. Whether through clever composition, witty titles, or symbolic references, Harnett's paintings were able to bring a smile to the face of the viewer.

5. Complexity and depth: While Harnett's paintings appear to be simple still-lifes at first glance, they often contain layers of symbolism and meaning that require closer inspection to uncover. His works often dealt with themes such as mortality, wealth, and illusion, and provided commentary on the cultural context in which they were created.

In summary, William Michael Harnett's artworks were characterized by his masterful use of trompe-l'oeil painting, attention to detail, use of everyday objects, sense of humor, and underlying complexity and symbolism.

Why Choose William Harnett Art as Home Decor?

There are several reasons why William Harnett's art would make for excellent home decor pieces:

1. Realism: Harnett's paintings are known for their remarkable realism, particularly his trompe-l'oeil still lifes. This can create a sense of depth and dimensionality in your home decor, and make your space feel more immersive and believable.

2. Timelessness: Harnett's paintings are over a century old, yet their captivating realism remains relevant and enchanting today. By investing in one of his works, you gain a timeless piece of art, a conversation starter, and a unique decor feature that won't go out of style.

3. Versatility: Harnett's art spans a range of subjects, from still lifes of musical instruments to hunting equipment and other everyday objects. This means that you can choose a piece of his art that speaks to your personal interests or style and effortlessly integrate it into your home decor.

4. Value: His works have a strong history of high value at auction, making them an investment in something that can appreciate over time. Original works by Harnett are rare and highly prized, making the ones available more valuable to their potential owners.

Overall, Harnett's art can add a touch of realism, timelessness, and versatility to your home decor. Whether you choose a classic still-life painting or a more whimsical piece, his works are sure to catch the eye and interest of anyone who enters your home.

How to Use William Harnett Oil Paintings as Wall Decor

William Michael Harnett's oil paintings are beautiful pieces of art that can transform any room in your home into an art gallery. Here are some tips on how to use his oil paintings as wall decor:

1. Consider the space: The first thing to consider when hanging William Harnett's oil paintings is the room's size and decoration. His paintings often feature everyday objects such as books, musical instruments, and currency. Therefore, you might want to choose a room with adequate space where the painting can be highlighted without appearing crowded.

2. Choose a painting that matches the room's decor: William Harnett's paintings are realistic and often feature a neutral color scheme. Therefore, consider choosing a painting that complements the existing color scheme of the room. If you want the painting to be a statement piece, choose one with contrasting colors to the other elements in the room.

3. Focus on the framing: William Harnett's paintings should be framed with high-quality materials to accentuate the details and colors of the painting. Consider using a frame that reflects the room's decor or one with an ornate design to highlight the painting further.

4. Determine the placement: The placement of the painting is significant in how the final artistic statement appears. Consider hanging the painting in a central focal point, such as the center of a feature wall, over a mantle or above a statement piece of furniture.

5. Lighting: William Harnett's paintings benefit from good lighting, and using directional lighting can help highlight its features. You can also consider using ambient lighting to enhance the atmosphere or mood of the room.

By following these tips, William Harnett's oil paintings can complement any room, and add sophistication and style to any home.

William Michael Harnet: Handmade Oil Painting Reproduction vs. Prints

When it comes to choosing between a William Michael Harnett handmade oil painting reproduction and a print, several factors should be considered:

1. Quality: A handmade oil painting reproduction by a skilled artist will closely resemble the original painting and will capture its details, texture and complexities in a way that a print cannot. A print, on the other hand, is a copy of the painting that lacks the added dimensions and character of a real oil painting.

2. Value: Handmade oil painting reproductions are considered to be of higher value than prints, even though the initial cost may be higher. A handmade oil painting reproduction is an investment piece that will last for years and possibly increase in value, while a print is generally considered to be a mass-produced item for casual or short-term decoration.

3. Authenticity: A handmade oil painting reproduction will have its own identity and uniqueness, reflecting the individual touch of the artist who created it. A print, on the other hand, will be a standardized copy of the original image without any special variance, flaws, or exceptionalism to make it unique.

4. Durability: Unlike prints, which can easily lose their quality over time, a handmade oil painting reproduction will maintain its color and texture and last generations.

5. Personal Satisfaction: Purchasing a handmade oil painting reproduction allows you to appreciate every stroke and brushwork made by the artist, recreating a genuine connection that prints cannot.

In summary, while prints can be less expensive, a William Michael Harnett handmade oil painting reproduction is a one-of-a-kind art piece that offers a unique, high-quality experience and investment in the artwork. It is a personal and genuine way to connect with the artist while adding a touch of sophistication to your home.

The Paintings of William Harnett Reproduced by Toperfect

Toperfect is a well-known art reproduction company that specializes in creating handmade oil painting reproductions of famous artworks. They offer several reproductions of William Harnett's paintings, including:

1. "A Keg of Beer" (1884): This painting depicts a wooden keg surrounded by other everyday objects, like a stein and a pipe. Toperfect's reproduction captures the sense of depth and detail in the original painting, with careful attention paid to the texture of the wood and the sheen of the metal objects.

2. "The Old Violin" (1886): This painting features a well-worn violin resting atop a red velvet cloth. The reproduction by Toperfect highlights the subtle shading and intricate details of the original painting, creating a vivid, lifelike representation of the violin and its surroundings.

3. "After the Hunt" (1885): In this painting, a hunter's game lays prone on a table with other hunting paraphernalia. Toperfect's reproduction captures the realism and texture of the original painting, highlighting the contrast between the soft fur of the game and the rough texture of the table.

Toperfect takes pride in creating handmade oil painting reproductions of museum-quality, with their artists carefully replicating the finer details of the original painting while also bringing their own unique touch to each piece. Art connoisseurs and collectors can hence invest in these fine reproductions of William Harnett's art to own a tasteful and authentic piece of art history.