My Gems 1888

"My Gems" is a trompe l'oeil still life painting by William Michael Harnett from 1888. This genre of painting is known for its extreme realism, making the depicted objects appear three-dimensional and almost tangible. The painting's composition is a carefully arranged grouping of everyday objects, including books, a pewter lamp, a flute, a pipe, and sheet music. Harnett was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, which is evident in the way he captures the textures and colors of the objects. "My Gems" is a quintessential example of the American trompe l'oeil movement, a style that emerged in the late 19th century and celebrated the everyday objects of American life.