Still Life—Violin and Music

A partly open door, projecting nails and cast shadows make painted things seem to stand before a real surface. Such trompe-l’oeil pictures appealed particularly to middle-class collectors. Musical equipment supplies both the subject and the means of testing painted depth.

A violin hangs against the pale wooden door. Its cast shadow separates the instrument’s body from the surface behind.

Sheet music is pinned diagonally. Turned edges test how flat paint can suggest projecting paper.

A dark flute crosses the lower door. Overlapping objects at different depths strengthen the optical illusion.

A rusty horseshoe hangs at the upper right. Wear makes objects appear to have long histories of use.

A broad iron hinge runs along the bottom. Fastenings lend credibility to the surface supporting the objects.

A small padlock hangs on the left. Its size and shadow can be compared with the larger musical objects.

A folded note projects near the flute. Another paper edge appears to approach the viewer’s space.

Harnett engraved metal and decorated silverware. Precision in craft helps explain his attention to surfaces. Collectors could enjoy recognising objects while testing their visual expectations.