William Harnett Paintings & Artwork for Sale | William Harnett Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 24, 2024
WILLIAM HARNETT, American 1848-1892, Tabletop Still Life with Fruit and Wine, 1876, oil on canvas, 12 x 10 in. (30.5 x 25.4 cm.), Frame: 19 1/2 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (49.5 x 45.1 x 6.4 cm.)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
WILLIAM HARNETT American, 1848-1892 Tabletop Still Life with Fruit and Wine, 1876 oil on canvas signed and dated lower right "WMHarnett / 1876"
Shannon's
Jun. 22, 2024
HARNETT CHROMOLITHOGRAPH OF THE OLD VIOLIN
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
HARNETT, William Michael (1848-1892). The Old Violin. Chromolithograph. Covington, Kentucky: Donaldson Art & Sign Company, c. 1903. 34 3/4" x 23 5/8" visible, 45" x 34" framed. A classic of trompe l'oeil American painting.
Arader Galleries
May. 09, 2024
William Michael Harnett
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
(American, 1848-1892) Mynheer's Lunch, 1879, signed and dated lower left "WMHarnett 1879", oil on canvas, 12-1/2 x 10-1/2 in.; period gilt wood frame, 19 x 17 in. Provenance: Colonel George G. Briggs, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Frances W. Wilson, Garden City, Long Island; Sotheby's New York: 25 October 1973; lot 47; Ambassador and Mrs. J. William Middendorf II, New York (label verso); Kennedy Galleries, New York; Christie's New York: 31 May 1985; lot 92 (titled Still life with pipe, mug and newspaper); Mr. Jerome Margulis; Sidney Janis Gallery, New York, by 1997; Maria and Conrad Janis Estate, as of 2002; Property sold to benefit the American Folk Art Museum Literature: Frankenstein, Alfred Victor, "William Michael Harnett: A Critical Catalogue" in Frankenstein Alfred. 2023. After the Huntâ€¯: William Harnett and Other American Still Life Painters 1870-1900. Berkeley: University of California Press,168; no. 31A (listed; titled Herald); Doreen Bolger, Marc Simpson, John Wilmerding, Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York N.Y.) and Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. 1992. William M. Harnett. Fort Worth New York: Amon Carter Museum; Metropolitan Museum of Art: H.N. Abrams.97 (mentioned).
Brunk Auctions
May. 01, 2024
William Michael Harnett (1848-1892) Still Life with Quill and Pipe 16 1/8 x 24 1/8 in. (41 x 61.3 cm.) (Painted in 1879.)
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
William Michael Harnett (1848-1892) Still Life with Quill and Pipe signed with conjoined initials and dated 'WMHarnett. / 1879.' (lower right) oil on canvas 16 1/8 x 24 1/8 in. (41 x 61.3 cm.) Painted in 1879.
Bonhams
Apr. 13, 2024
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT, THE OLD VIOLIN - NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, POSTER
Est: $65 - $75
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Medium: Poster Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
Mar. 10, 2024
AFTER William M Harnett (PA,NY,1842-1892) oil painting
Est: $475 - $625
ARTIST: John R Young (Virginia, 20 century) AFTER William Michael Harnett (Pennsylvania, New York, 1842 - 1892) TITLE: Still Life - The Old Violin (titled on verso) YEAR: 1993 MEDIUM: oil on board CONDITION: Minor scratches/paint losses. No visible inpaint under UV light. ART SIZE: 37 x 24 inches / 93 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 44 x 32 inches / 111 x 81 cm SIGNATURE: unsigned ATTENTION: This lot is located at our Mamaroneck, NY office. CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online AD: ART WANTED: Consign, Trade In, Cash Offer SKU#: 131021 US Shipping $149 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: William Michael Harnett (August 10, 1848 - October 29, 1892) was an American painter known for his trompe-l'oeil still lifes of ordinary objects.Harnett was born in Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland, during the time of the Great Famine. His father was a shoemaker. Shortly after Harnett's birth his family emigrated to America, settling in Philadelphia. He was naturalized as a United States citizen in 1868. He learned engraving at the age of seventeen, and between 1865 and 1875 he made a living first in Philadelphia and then in New York City by engraving designs on table silver for firms such as Tiffany and Company. During this period he also took night classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later, in New York, at Cooper Union and at the National Academy of Design. His first known oil paintings date from 1874; among them are studies of plaster casts of Minerva and Cupid and his first known finished still-life painting, Paint Tube and Grapes.The style of trompe-l'oeil painting that Harnett developed was distinctive and inspired many imitators, but it was not without precedent. A number of 17th-century Dutch painters, Pieter Claesz for instance, had specialized in tabletop still life of astonishing verisimilitude. Raphaelle Peale, working in Philadelphia in the early 19th century, pioneered the form in America. What sets Harnett's work apart, besides his enormous skill, is his interest in depicting objects not usually made the subject of a painting. Harnett painted musical instruments, hanging game, and tankards, but also painted the unconventional Golden Horseshoe (1886), a single rusted horseshoe shown nailed to a board. He painted a casual jumble of second-hand books set on top of a crate, Job Lot, Cheap (1878), as well as firearms and paper currency.Although his works sold well to a clientele of merchants and industrialists, and were on display in many business offices, department stores, and taverns, they did not conform to contemporary notions of high art. On the rare occasions when they were included in exhibitions in museums or at the National Academy of Design they were criticized as mere novelties.Harnett spent the years 1880-1886 in Europe, staying in Munich from 1881 until early 1885. Harnett's best-known paintings, the four versions of After The Hunt, were painted between 1883 and 1885. Each is an imposing composition of hunting equipment and dead game, hanging on a door with ornate hinges at the right and keyhole plate at the left. These paintings, like the horseshoe or currency depictions mentioned earlier, are especially effective as trompe-l'oeil because the objects occupy a shallow space, meaning that the illusion is not spoiled by parallax shift if the viewer moves.Overall, Harnett's work is most comparable to that of the slightly younger John F. Peto. The two artists knew each other, and a comparison can be made between two paintings featuring violins. Harnett's Music and Good Luck from 1888 shows the violin hanging upright on a door with ornate hinges and with a slightly torn piece of sheet music behind it. The elements are arranged in a stable, deliberate manner. Peto's 1890 painting shows the violin hanging askew, as well as chipped and worn, with one string broken. The sheet music is dog-eared and torn around the edges, and placed haphazardly behind the instrument. The hinges are less ornate, and one is broken. Harnett's objects show signs of use but are well preserved, while Peto's more humble objects are nearly used up.When the catalogs of Harnett and Peto were posthumously analyzed, it was determined that "many of [Peto's] canvases received forged signatures of William Harnett."
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Jan. 19, 2024
Two Ounces
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
Property from a Private Collection, Maine William Michael Harnett 1848 - 1892 Two Ounces signed WMHarnett and dated 1877 (lower left) oil on canvas 12 ¼ by 10 ½ in. 31.1 by 26.7 cm. Executed in 1877.
Sotheby's
Jan. 19, 2024
Still Life with Dutch Jar and Bust of Dante
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
Property from an Important American Collector William Michael Harnett 1848 - 1892 Still Life with Dutch Jar and Bust of Dante signed WMHarnett. and dated 1885. (lower left) oil on panel 10 ⅜ by 13 ¾ in. 26.4 by 34.9 cm. Executed in 1885.
Sotheby's
Jan. 18, 2024
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) - The Imperial Eagle (Still Life with Bust of Dante)
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) The Imperial Eagle (Still Life with Bust of Dante) oil on panel 10 x 13 ¾ in. (25.4 x 34.9 cm.)
Christie's
Jan. 18, 2024
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) - London Times, July 17, 1879
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) London Times, July 17, 1879 oil on canvas 11 x 15 ¼ in. (27.9 x 38.7 cm.)
Christie's
Jan. 18, 2024
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) - Still Life with Tankard
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) Still Life with Tankard oil on panel 5 ½ x 7 1⁄8 in. (14 x 18.1 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 12, 2023
William Michael Harnett (American, Irish 1848 - 1892). Still life with cigar box, wine decanter and newspaper, 1881.
Est: €20,000 - €30,000
William Michael Harnett (American, Irish 1848 - 1892) Still life with cigar box, wine decanter and newspaper, 1881 oil on canvas signed, dated and inscribed 'WMHarnett München 1881' (upper left) image size 26 x 20.5 cm., frame size 34 x 28.5 cm.
Adams Amsterdam Auctions
Dec. 06, 2023
Harnett, Stillleben, Kopie/ still life
Est: -
Harnett, William Michael. 1848 Clonakilty/ Irland-1892 New York, Kopie nach. Stillleben mit Musikinstrumenten. Öl auf Leinwand, re. u. monogr. und dat. 1999, partiell abblätternde Malschicht. 100 x 60 cm, gerahmt. Ra. 107 x 67 cm. Still life with music instruments, copy after W. M. Harnett, oil/ canvas, monogram and date ''1999'' lower right. Losses of paint in places. 100 x 60 cm, frame: 107 x 67 cm.
Kunstauktionshaus Günther
Dec. 05, 2023
William Michael Harnett (American, 1848–1892) - Still Life with Egyptian Vase, Apples and Grapes on a Marble Top Console
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Michael Harnett (American, 1848–1892) - Still Life with Egyptian Vase, Apples and Grapes on a Marble Top Console Signed with conjoined initials, located and dated 'WMHARNETT/Munchen/1881' bottom left; also signed, located and dated verso, oil on canvas 5 7/8 x 4 3/4 in. (14.9 x 12.1cm) Provenance The Stralem Collection, New York, New York. Private Collection, New York.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 16, 2023
William Michael Harnett (American, 1848-1892)
Est: $50,000 - $80,000
William Michael Harnett (American, 1848-1892), "Fruit and Asparagus", 1875, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left, "Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, NY", "Kennedy Galleries, New York, NY", "Meredith Long & Co., Houston, TX" and "Adelson Galleries Inc., New York, NY" labels with artist, title and date attached to backing board, "F.J. Ulrich, New York, NY" label and inscribed on stretcher, 18 in. x 24 in., framed, overall 29 1/2 in. x 35 1/4 in. x 3 1/2 in.; accompanied by a copy of a letter by William H. Gerdts, Professor of Art History at City University Graduate School in New York analyzing the painting. (2 pcs.) Provenance: Jess Pavey, Birmingham, Michigan, by 1969; Knoedler & Co., New York, NY; Kennedy Galleries, New York, NY; Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, NY; Meredith Long & Company, Houston, TX; Adelson Galleries, New York, NY; Private Collection, 1979; The Estate of Caroline P. Ireland. Ill.: Frankenstein, Alfred V. After the Hunt: William Harnett and Other American Still Life Painters, 1870-1900. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1975, p. 165. Exh.: National Academy of Design, New York, NY, 1875; National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY; University Art Museum, Berkeley, CA; Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA; The Reality of Appearance: The Trompe L’Oeil Tradition in American Painting, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI, Mar. – Oct. 1970, and listed in the accompanying catalogue no. 20, pp. 15, 58-59. Note: William Michael Harnett was born in Ireland in 1848 and immigrated to Philadelphia with his parents when he was an infant. While he is primarily known for his meticulously rendered trompe l’oeil paintings, he started his artistic career as an engraver and eventually enrolled in the Antiques class at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He later took classes at Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design in New York. Between 1874 and 1876, Harnett switched his preferred medium to oil on canvas and executed a small group—only four of this scale are known—of stunningly detailed still lifes of fruit, including the important lot offered here entitled “Fruit and Asparagus.” This rare group of still lifes serves as a fascinating precursor to his celebrated trompe l’oeil compositions. “Fruit and Asparagus” is a skilled display of texture and color with hyper-realistic renderings that clearly lay the groundwork for his later paintings. The pebbled, round bodies of the oranges noticeably contrast with the smooth ceramic vase and rough, hairy coconut. The crisp pages of the newspaper lend depth to a relatively shallow plane and add a layer of dimensionality that is described in great detail in a letter from William H. Gerdts: “Deceptive illusionism is the key to Harnett’s painting as it was not to the previous generations. And to heighten that, Harnett had introduced the newspaper which stretched beyond the edge of the marble table, that is, beyond the picture plane and seemingly out into the space of the viewer. His mastery of the nature of newspaper and the illusion of printing on it… are qualities he will repeat over and over again in the future and which will be taken up by his myriad of followers but it is found here for the first time.” Ref.: “William Michael Harnett”. National Gallery of Art. www.nga.gov. Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
Neal Auction Company
Nov. 11, 2023
WILLIAM HARNETT AMERICAN 1848-1892
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Still Life with Stein, Pipe and Match, oil on panel, 7 x 6 in (17.8 x 15.2 cm), framed 10 x 9 in (25.4 x 22.7 cm), signed lower left, PROVENANCE: From the collection of John Kiburz, St. Louis Orchestra and Professor of Southern Illinois University, passed down to current family member 1979 to a private collection in St. Louis, MO
Trinity International Auctions & Appraisals, LLC
Nov. 08, 2023
William Michael Harnett
Est: $20,000 - $40,000
William Michael Harnett American, 1848-1892 To This Favour - A Thought from Shakespeare, 1879 Signed WMHarnett with conjoined initials and dated 1879 (ll) Oil on canvas 24 x 20 inches Provenance: Private collection, Hartford, CT Berry-Hill Galleries, New York Private collection, New York Literature: American Paintings, New York, Berry-Hill Galleries, 1981, p. 13, illus. Barbara S. Groseclose, "Vanity and the Aritst: Some Still Life Paintings by William Michael Harnett," American Art Journal, Vol. 19, No. 1 (1987), pp. 53-54 Chad Mandeles, "Grave Counsel: Harnett and Vanitas," in William M. Harnett (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1992), pp. 254-55, illus. fig. 117 The title of this work refers to Shakespeare's quotation from Hamlet (Act V, Scene I), inscribed on the paper at the lower center, "Now get you to my lady's chamber and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come." Another version of this work , also dated 1879, is in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Wax relined. There is a repaired hole to the right of the inscribed paper, and a much smaller one in the background near the upper left corner. Some contours and shadows reinforced.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Oct. 21, 2023
William Michael Harnett (American 1848-1892)
Est: $10,000 - $20,000
William Michael Harnett (American 1848-1892) William Michael Harnett (American 1848-1892) Trompe L'oeil still life peach grapes, walnut and wine Oil on canvas Signed lower left W.M. Harnett 12" x 10"
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Sep. 26, 2023
William Michael HARNETT Clonakilty, 1848 - New York, 1892 Cornet de prunes sur un entablement Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine)
Est: €10,000 - €15,000
William Michael HARNETT Clonakilty, 1848 - New York, 1892 Cornet de prunes sur un entablement Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine) Signée, datée et localisée 'WMHarnett. / München / 1881.' en bas à droite h: 28,50 w: 38,50 cm Provenance : Vente anonyme; New York, William Doyle, 4 mai 1994, n°6/A ; Vente anonyme ; Londres, Christie's, 14 mars 1996, n°14 ; Vente anonyme ; Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Aguttes, 21 octobre 2005, n°44b ; Vente anonyme; New York, Sotheby's, 5 avril 2012, n°34 ; Collection particulière, Paris Estimation 10 000 - 15 000 €
Artcurial
Sep. 24, 2023
Attri. William Michael Harnett (1848 - 1892)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Attributed William Michael Harnett (American, 1848 - 1892) A still life with a bottle of Champagne, a 1880 cigar box and a cigar, a broken Champagne glass, and a pink rose on a white marble top table next to a sunny window. Circa 1880's. Oil on Artist's Board. Sight Size: 5.75 x 6.5 in. Overall Framed Size: 10 x 10.75 in.
Helmuth Stone
Aug. 31, 2023
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT, STILL LIFE WITH VIOLIN, POSTER ON BOARD
Est: $100 - $150
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm) Reference:
RoGallery
Aug. 31, 2023
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT, THE OLD VIOLIN - NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, POSTER
Est: $100 - $150
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Medium: Poster Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm) Reference:
RoGallery
Jul. 15, 2023
STILL LIFE WITH BOOKS PAINTING AFTER W.M. HARNETT
Est: $100 - $150
Oil on canvas painting, after an 1878 artwork titled Music and Literature by William Michael Harnett, 1848 to 1892, an American artist of trompe loil and still life genre. The piece depicts a stack of books with writing instruments, music sheets and a flute. The original painting is now in a private British collection. Illegibly signed by the artist in the lower right. Mid-20th century. Collectible Fine Art For Interior Decor.
Antique Arena Inc
Mar. 11, 2023
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT, THE OLD VIOLIN - NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, POSTER
Est: $50 - $75
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Medium: Poster Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
Jan. 19, 2023
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) Lobster, Fruit, Champagne and Newspaper
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) Lobster, Fruit, Champagne and Newspaper oil on canvas 10 x 8 1/4 in. (25.4 x 20.9 cm.)
Christie's
Jan. 05, 2023
Signed Oil on Canvas Reproduction of William Harnett's (1848-1892) Emblems of Peace
Est: $60 - $120
Hand Painted oil on canvas reproduction of William Harnett's (1848-1892) Emblems of Peace. Signed "H. Warner" in bottom right corner. Unframed, measures 24" x 20"
Embassy Auctions International
Dec. 11, 2022
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) OIL ON PANEL
Est: $100 - $200
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (1848-1892) OIL ON PANEL Height: 10.25 in. by Width: 13.25 in. by Depth: 3
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Nov. 09, 2022
William Michael HARNETT Clonakilty, 1848 - New York, 1892 Cornet de prunes sur un entablement Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine)
Est: €15,000 - €20,000
William Michael HARNETT Clonakilty, 1848 - New York, 1892 Cornet de prunes sur un entablement Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine) Signée, datée et localisée 'WMHarnett. / München / 1881.' en bas à droite Cone of plums on an entablature, oil on canvas, signed and dated, by W. M. Harnett h: 28,50 w: 38,50 cm Provenance : Vente anonyme; New York, William Doyle, 4 mai 1994, n°6/A ; Vente anonyme ; Londres, Christie's, 14 mars 1996, n°14 ; Vente anonyme ; Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Aguttes, 21 octobre 2005, n°44b ; Vente anonyme; New York, Sotheby's, 5 avril 2012, n°34 ; Collection particulière, Paris Estimation 15 000 - 20 000 €
Artcurial
Nov. 05, 2022
William Michael Harnett, The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art, Poster
Est: $150 - $200
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Year: Medium: Poster Image Size: Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
Nov. 05, 2022
William Michael Harnett, Still Life with Violin, Poster on board
Est: $190 - $250
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Image Size: Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm)
RoGallery
Aug. 10, 2022
William Michael Harnett, The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art, Poster
Est: $150 - $200
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Year: Medium: Poster Image Size: Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
Aug. 10, 2022
William Michael Harnett, Still Life with Violin, Poster on board
Est: $190 - $250
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Image Size: Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm)
RoGallery
Jun. 06, 2022
WILLIAM MICHAEL HARNETT (AMERICAN, 1848–1892) STILL LIFE WITH NEW YORK TRIBUNE, BEER STEIN, PIPE AND TOBACCO
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
William Michael Harnett (American, 1848–1892) Still Life with New York Tribune, Beer Stein, Pipe and Tobacco Signed with Artist's initialed monogram and dated 'WMHarnett/1878' bottom right; with original preparer's label on upper stretcher verso, oil on canvas 12 x 10 in. (30.5 x 25.4cm) Provenance Kleemann Galleries, New York, New York. (Presumably) acquired directly from the above. Collection of Miss Grace Hill, Jersey City, New Jersey (by 1940s). By descent in the family. Private Collection, Arizona. Note William Harnett is mostly known for his trompe l'oeil still-lifes, often featuring trophy hunts, pistols, tankards, music sheets, instruments and all sorts of ordinary, everyday items. An undisputed champion of illusionism, he perfected his meticulous style at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied 17th Century Old Masters, in addition to discovering the art of Raphaelle Peale. In January 1880, Harnett sailed to Europe. He stayed in Munich between 1881 and 1886, where his painting took a new, drastic turn. There, the artist famously went on to produce a series of extremely small canvases marked by a freer technique, and a deft, miniaturistic, almost microscopic touch. His new style culminated in a series of eleven recorded horizontal still-lifes, all involving a tabletop with a gray stoneware jug or beer stein at the right, a Meerschaum pipe laid flat, a book and a folded, dated, newspaper. Larger in size and looser in technique, the present lot evidently predates Harnett's series of small canvases. It was most likely executed in the United States, just before the artist embarked on his European journey, and therefore provides an insightful perspective into the artist's technical evolution. The still-life channels hallmarks of Harnett's known, earlier oeuvre, and yet also touches on to a new burgeonning style. In the foreground stands a wooden table-top, with edges parallel to the picture plane - a trait typical of Harnett who, unlike the non-illusionistic painters, preferred to introduce tables straight on so as to lead the viewer's eye into deep space. On it, one can spot a beer mug, a yellow pipe, a bag of tobacco, burnt matches and a biscuit - all recurring props in Harnett's compositions. However, the artist introduces a new, bold and dramatic element to his sill life in the background: a folded copy of the New York Tribune. Dated January 6, 1878, it makes of the present work one of the earliest compositions featuring a folded newspaper. The presence of a dated newspaper is meant to reinforce the illusion of reality, and ground the picture in a known, relatable and realistic dimension. Here however, the folded newspaper paradoxically conveys a sense of timelesness, especially in regards to the abstract, neutral golden brown backdrop. This atmosphere is typical of Harnett's pre-1880 canvases. It gives the picture space a definite, shallow limit, enabling the viewer's eye to focus on the table-top in the foreground, and not be distracted by a "noisy" background. In short, it enhances the effect of trompe l'oeil. In his later canvases, Harnett will abandon this neutrality to render a meticulously-rendered background, alternatively draped by a piece of cloth, or fully carved and decorated. Frame: 20 7/8 x 18 7/8 x 3 in. The unlined canvas in overall good condition. Examination under UV light reveals a very old repair in the background at upper center right (about 1 x 1 in.). With pinpoint inpainting (most likely due to old flaking) above the tankard at upper right, and to the right of it near the right outer edge of the work. The work appears to have been recently cleaned as we do not find any sign of milky greenish varnish. See Specialist's pictures for more details.
Freeman's | Hindman
May. 31, 2022
William Michael Harnett (Irish/American 1848-1892)
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
William Michael Harnett (Irish/American 1848-1892) drawing of a stoneware pitcher, pencil on paper, with various labels verso. William Harnett was the leader and trendsetter of an American school of trompe l'oeil painting centered in Philadelphia. One of his favorite subjects was the tabletop still life that usually included ceramic jugs and pitchers. Drawings by Harnett are rarely on the auction block and this highly-detailed, elegant drawing has no comparable at auction in the past 20 years. Size: 6.5'' x 4.75'', 17 x 12 cm (sight); 13.5'' x 12'', 34 x 30 cm (frame). Provenance: Collection of Dr. Christine I. Oaklander.
Material Culture
Apr. 19, 2022
William Michael Harnett, The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art, Poster
Est: $90 - $120
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Medium: Poster Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
Apr. 19, 2022
William Michael Harnett, Still Life with Violin, Poster on board
Est: $125 - $150
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm)
RoGallery
Jan. 19, 2022
William Michael Harnett (1848-1892) - Eleme Figs and Newspaper
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
William Michael Harnett (1848-1892) Eleme Figs and Newspaper oil on canvas 20 x 28 in. (50.8 x 71.1 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 28, 2021
William Michael Harnett, The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art, Poster
Est: $150 - $200
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Year: Medium: Poster Image Size: Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
Nov. 28, 2021
William Michael Harnett, Still Life with Violin, Poster on board
Est: $190 - $250
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Image Size: Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm)
RoGallery
Jun. 06, 2021
William Michael Harnett (American, 18481892) Still Life with Egyptian Vase, Apples and Grapes on a Marble Top Console
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
William Michael Harnett (American, 18481892) Still Life with Egyptian Vase, Apples and Grapes on a Marble Top Console Signed with conjoined initials, located and dated 'WMHARNETT/Munchen/1881' bottom left; also signed, located and dated verso, oil on canvas 5 7/8 x 4 3/4 in. (14.9 x 12.1cm) Provenance The Stralem Collection, New York, New York. Private Collection, New York. Condition report: In overall good condition. Examination under UV light reveals that the work is covered/clouded by a heavy coat of old greenish varnish, which makes it rather difficult to inspect. Yet, we notice a small diagonal repair at upper center in the background. Minor dots of inpainting at center left and right (on each side of the cupboard), as well as along the bottom outer edge. See specialist's pictures for more details. Frame: 9 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 2 in.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 06, 2021
William Michael Harnett (American, 18481892) Still Life with New York Times, Tobacco Jar, Pipe and Matches
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
William Michael Harnett (American, 18481892) Still Life with New York Times, Tobacco Jar, Pipe and Matches Signed with Artist's initialed monogram and dated 'Wm HARNETT./1879.' bottom left, oil on canvas 10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6cm) Unframed. Provenance Private Collection, Chicago, Illinois. Footnote: Note William Harnett is mostly known for his trompe l'oeil still-lifes, often featuring trophy hunts, pistols, tankards, music sheets, instruments and all sorts of ordinary, everyday items. An undisputed champion of illusionism, he perfected his meticulous style at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied 17th Century Old Masters, in addition to discovering the art of Raphaelle Peale. In January 1880, Harnett sailed to Europe and stayed in Munich between 1881 and 1886, as revealed by the artist's signature of Lot 8. While on the Old Continent, his painting took a new, drastic turn. The artist famously went on to produce a series of extremely small canvases marked by a freer technique, and a deft, miniaturistic, almost microscopic touch. His new style culminated in a series of eleven recorded horizontal still-lifes, all involving a tabletop with a gray stoneware jug or beer stein at the right, a Meerschaum pipe laid flat, a book and a folded, dated, newspaper. Larger in size and looser in technique (judging from the beautifully textured edges of the pipe at center), the present lot evidently predates Harnett's series of small canvases. It was most likely executed in the United States, just before the artist embarked on his European journey, and therefore provides an insightful perspective into the artist's technical evolution. The still-life channels hallmarks of Harnett's known, earlier oeuvre, and yet also touches on a new burgeonning style. In the foreground stands a wooden table-top, with edges parallel to the picture plane - a trait typical of Harnett and unlike the non-illusionistic painters, who preferred to introduce tables at an angle so as to lead the viewer's eye into deep space. On it, one can spot a yellow pipe, tobacco jar and burnt matches - all recurring props in Harnett's compositions. However, the artist introduces a new, bold and dramatic element to his sill life at upper left: a folded copy of the New York Times. Dated July 11, 1879, the cover features the Jerome Park Racetrack, an American thoroughbred horse racing facility in Westchester County, New York. The presence of a dated newspaper is meant to reinforce the illusion of reality, and ground the picture in a known, relatable and realistic dimension. Here however, the folded newspaper paradoxically conveys a sense of timelesness, especially in regards to the abstract, neutral dark green/black backdrop. This atmosphere is typical of Harnett's pre-1880 canvases. It gives the picture space a definite, shallow limit, enabling the viewer's eye to focus on the table-top in the foreground, and not be distracted by a "noisy" background. In short, it enhances the effect of trompe l'oeil. In his later canvases, Harnett will abandon this neutrality to render a meticulously-rendered background, alternatively draped by a piece of cloth, or fully carved and decorated. It is as if the artist drifted away from timelesness, and instead wished to capture time through a specific decor forever immortalized on the picture place. When comparing the present work to later examples, one also notices a newfound attention to space and volume, which will continue to preoccupy Harnett later on. Here, for one of the first times in his career, the artist introduces a deep, dark recess on the right-hand side of the still-life, which helps the tobocco jar to dramatically stand out in the composition (it is the only true vertical of the painting). Harnett also chose to fully reveal the left-hand corner of the table-top, which was rarely, if not ever the case before. Not only does it help deepen the picture plane, and push it further out, but it also helps catch the intense lighting coming from the left. Condition report: The (apparently) unlined work is unframed, and presents well. With a lightly glossy varnish, some abrasions along the outer edges of the canvas, a pinpoint hole at bottom left corner (underneath the signature), and remnants of old gold leaf alongside the bottom outer edge. We notice the mark of the upper stretcher bar running along the top edge of the work (mostly through the background). Examination under UV light reveals minor remnants of varnish on the tobacco jar (across its top edge) and its lid at center and center right. With minor areas of restoration at bottom center (on the table, underneath the pipe), in the background at upper right and upper left (visible with the naked eye). Main dots of restoration can be seen on the jar: in the middle at center right, and alon its top rim as well. See specialist's pictures for more details.
Freeman's | Hindman
May. 28, 2021
William Michael Harnett, The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art, Poster
Est: $150 - $200
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Year: Medium: Poster Image Size: Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
RoGallery
May. 28, 2021
William Michael Harnett, Still Life with Violin, Poster on board
Est: $190 - $250
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Image Size: Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm)
RoGallery
Apr. 18, 2021
Attr. William Michael Harnett (1848 - 1892)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Michael Harnett (Pennsylvania, New York, 1848 - 1892) Still life painting. Signed and dated (1879) lower left. Oil on Board. Provenance: Private Florida collection. Sight Size: 20 x 16 in. Overall Framed Size: 29 x 25 in.
Helmuth Stone
Jan. 25, 2021
Print on Board, After William Harnett
Est: $100 - $200
(American, 1848-1892) "Music & Literature"
Houston Antique Auction LLC
Dec. 08, 2019
William Michael Harnett, The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art, Poster
Est: $45 - $75
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: The Old Violin - National Gallery of Art Portfolio: Year: Medium: Poster Edition: Image Size: Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm) Frame Size: Printer: Publisher: Reference:
RoGallery
Dec. 08, 2019
William Michael Harnett, Still Life with Violin, Poster on board
Est: $65 - $95
Artist: William Michael Harnett, American (1848 - 1892) Title: Still Life with Violin Portfolio: Year: 1992 Medium: Poster on board Edition: Image Size: Size: 39 x 24.5 in. (99.06 x 62.23 cm) Frame Size: Printer: Publisher: Reference:
RoGallery
Nov. 23, 2019
William Michael Harnett (Irish-American 1848-1892)
Est: $400 - $600
William Michael Harnett (Irish-American 1848-1892) Civil War Soldier and Lady, Pencil (graphite) on blue paper, unsigned, matted and framed. Image: 3 ÐâÐÐ x 1 7/8 inches Provenance: Alfred Frankenstein, author of the Harnett monogram ÐÑÐ²âÂ¬ÐâAfter the Hunt" Alexander Gallery, New York, NY Exhibited: La Jola Museum of Art, 1865 ÐÑÐ²âÂ¬ÐâThe Reminiscent Object" (label), a Harnett focused exhibition Provenance: Alfred Frankenstein, author of the Harnett monograph ÐÑÐ²âÂ¬ÐâAfter the Hunt" Alexander Gallery, New York, NY Affidavit from David Frankenstein attesting to provenance Condition: Paper light toned, otherwise appears to be very good, not examined out of frame.
Neue Auctions