Artwork
Alas, Poor Yorick
Alas, Poor Yorick is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist William Michael Harnett. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Alas, Poor Yorick is a 1889 oil painting by William Michael Harnett, an American artist known for his still lifes. The work is part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts everyday objects on a small wooden table, including a pipe, match, tobacco, and playing cards. The arrangement is set against a dark background, emphasizing the objects' textures and details.
Technique & Style
Harnett's use of oil paint achieves a high level of realism, with precise rendering of details such as text on the cards and the texture of the tobacco, creating a trompe-l'œil effect.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Michael Harnett (August 10, 1848 – October 29, 1892) was an American painter known for his trompe-l'œil still lifes of ordinary objects.
