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Ease

Experience the serene American Realism of William Michael Harnett's 1887 still life, Ease, a masterful study of everyday objects you can own today.

Explore William Michael Harnett’s stunning trompe-l'œil still lifes of everyday objects – a unique American style inspired by Dutch masters. Discover his legacy!

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
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W106C $8
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W218G $10
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W218JH $8
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W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
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W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
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W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
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W500HY $15
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W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
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W940BG $15
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Total Price

$ 69

Ease

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

  • Artistic style: American Realism
  • Year: 1887
  • Notable elements or techniques: Trompe-l'œil, attention to detail
  • Movement: American Realism
  • Artist: William Michael Harnett

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary genre of William Michael Harnett's painting, 'Ease'?
Question 2:
In what year was the painting 'Ease' created?
Question 3:
Which artistic style is William Michael Harnett most celebrated for mastering in his work?
Question 4:
Which of the following objects is NOT explicitly mentioned as being in the still life arrangement?
Question 5:
Harnett's early training included mastering which detailed craft, influencing his precision?
The painting Ease by William Michael Harnett is a captivating still life that exudes a sense of calm and tranquility. Created in 1887, this oil on canvas work is a masterpiece of American Realism, showcasing the artist's exceptional skill in capturing the beauty and complexity of everyday objects.

Composition and Symbolism

The painting features a thoughtfully arranged assortment of objects, including books, a vase with flowers, a violin, a fan, and a lamp. The books are scattered around the table, some of them placed on top of each other, while the vase filled with flowers sits in the center, surrounded by several books. A violin is leaning against the wall, and a fan rests nearby. The lamp provides light to the scene, casting a warm glow over the entire composition. This arrangement of objects creates a sense of harmony and balance, inviting the viewer to step into the serene atmosphere of the painting.

Artistic Style and Influences

William Michael Harnett's style is characterized by his attention to detail and ability to capture the play of light on various surfaces. His work is often compared to that of other notable American Realists, such as William Michael Harnett and José Cuneo Perinetti. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, where Ease is housed, is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and promoting American art. For more information on the museum and its collection, visit Exploring the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Handmade oil painting reproductions of Ease and other notable works are available at WahooArt.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of history and beauty.
The captivating still life Ease by William Michael Harnett is a testament to the artist's skill and attention to detail, inviting viewers to step into its serene atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of everyday objects.

Questions & Answers

What explains the copyright situation of "Ease" by William Michael Harnett?

The copyright status of "Ease" - in the public domain - its copyright has expired - follows from the artist's death in 1892.

What historical period is "Ease" by William Michael Harnett from?

"Ease" by William Michael Harnett dates from the 19th-Century period. The period gives the historical context of the work.

What technique was used for "Ease" by William Michael Harnett?

The medium of "Ease" by William Michael Harnett is oil on canvas. Reproductions aim to render the appearance of this technique.


Artist Biography

William Michael Harnett: The Illusionist of Everyday Life

William Michael Harnett (1848 – 1892) stands as a singular figure in American art history, celebrated for his masterful trompe-l'œil paintings that elevate the mundane into breathtaking illusions. Born in Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland, Harnett’s early life was marked by emigration to Philadelphia shortly after his birth, shaping him into an artist deeply rooted in both European tradition and burgeoning American realism. His formative years were spent honing skills in engraving design on table silver – a craft that instilled precision and attention to detail – alongside pursuing formal artistic training at institutions like the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Cooper Union.
  • Early Training & Technique: Harnett’s dedication to mastering technique began with night classes at Penn and NYAD, where he absorbed influences from luminaries like Raphael Peale Jr., who pioneered tabletop still life in America. This influence is palpable in Harnett's distinctive style – a deliberate departure from prevailing academic conventions.
  • The Trompe-l’œil Vision: Harnett’s breakthrough came with his embrace of trompe-l’œil, a technique borrowed from 17th-century Dutch masters like Pieter Claesz. Unlike traditional depictions that strive for accurate representation, trompe-l'œil seeks to deceive the eye, creating an illusion of depth and dimensionality within a flat surface. Harnett skillfully manipulated perspective, shading, and texture to achieve this astonishing feat.

Notable Works & Artistic Style

Harnett’s oeuvre is characterized by its unwavering focus on commonplace objects – pipe, newspaper, tobacco pouch, violin, apple, wine bottle—presented with an extraordinary level of realism that borders on hallucinatory. His paintings aren't merely representations; they are invitations to engage in a perceptual puzzle. Consider “After the Hunt,” a quartet of canvases depicting hunting paraphernalia and deceased game animals. Harnett’s meticulous rendering captures every nuance of texture and light, exploiting the limitations of trompe-l'œil to heighten its impact. The shallow space of these paintings is crucial – any movement by the viewer disrupts the illusion, emphasizing Harnett’s genius in manipulating visual perception.
  • “After the Hunt” Series: This series exemplifies Harnett’s technique perfectly, demonstrating how he utilizes optical tricks to create a convincing illusion of depth within a confined space.
  • Recurring Themes: Recurring motifs include instruments (particularly violins), tobacco pouches, and meticulously arranged fruit – objects that speak to both the artist's personal interests and his broader engagement with artistic precedents.

Recognition & Legacy

Harnett’s work gained considerable acclaim during his lifetime and continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Museums such as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the American Museum of Natural History, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art proudly display his paintings, ensuring that his vision persists across generations. Harnett's influence extends beyond stylistic imitation; he championed a new approach to realism—one that prioritized illusionistic depth over mere surface accuracy. His legacy is cemented in the works of artists who followed him, particularly Jefferson David Chalfant, whose trompe-l’œil technique owes considerable debt to Harnett’s pioneering vision.

Further Exploration

To delve deeper into William Michael Harnett's artistic journey and explore his captivating paintings, visit WahooArt.com for detailed information about his life and oeuvre. Also consider exploring the collections of institutions like Residenz in Munich and The Philadelphia Museum of Art to experience Harnett’s art firsthand.
William Michael Harnett

William Michael Harnett

1848 - 1892 , Ireland

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: William Michael Harnett
  • Nationality: Irish-American
  • Date Of Birth: 1848
  • Date Of Death: 1892
  • Place Of Birth: Clonakilty, Ireland
  • Notable Artworks:
    • After the Hunt
    • The Old Violin
    • Music and Good Luck
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Trompe l'œil painting
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Raphaelle Peale
    • Pieter Claesz
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['American Realism']
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