The Old Violin c. 1890

"The Old Violin" (c. 1890) by John Frederick Peto is a quintessential example of trompe l'oeil, a style of painting that seeks to deceive the viewer into believing the depicted objects are real. Peto masterfully utilizes a limited palette and meticulous brushwork to create a sense of realism, focusing on the details of the aged violin, sheet music, bow, and other objects against a worn, green background. The composition, with the violin resting on the surface, evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and the passage of time.