Artwork

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco, by William Harnett, oil, 1890
Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco, by William Harnett, oil, 1890

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco is an oil painting by the Realist artist William Harnett. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco is a 1890 oil painting by William Harnett, an Irish-born American artist known for his realistic depictions of everyday objects.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a still life arrangement of three Castles Tobacco cans, a pipe, and a rolled-up newspaper on a table, set against a dark background that accentuates the textures and colors of the objects.

Technique & Style

Harnett's use of chiaroscuro and meticulous attention to detail creates a sense of depth and volume, characteristic of the trompe-l'œil tradition and the realism movement.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection, exemplifying Harnett's contribution to the popularity of trompe-l'œil and realistic still life painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Harnett

Artist

William Harnett

William Michael Harnett (August 10, 1848 – October 29, 1892) was an American painter known for his trompe-l'œil still lifes of ordinary objects.

Brooklyn Museum

Museum

Brooklyn Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Brooklyn Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco?

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco was painted by William Harnett in 1890.

Where can I see Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco?

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco is held by Brooklyn Museum.

What movement is Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco?

Still Life with Three Castles Tobacco is associated with Realism.