The Old Violin 1886

"The Old Violin" (1886) by William Michael Harnett is a prime example of trompe l'oeil, a style of painting that aims to deceive the viewer into believing the depicted objects are real. The work features a violin, bow, sheet music, and various other objects seemingly nailed to a wooden door. The artist's meticulous detail and masterful use of light and shadow create a hyperrealistic illusion, blurring the lines between painting and reality. Harnett was a pioneer of this style, and his works remain popular for their clever illusionism and nostalgic subject matter.