vintage oil painting, a reproduction of “my gems” by william michael harnett, find more below about him and this artwork.

approx: 19.5” x 23.5”

The image depicts "My Gems" (1888), a still-life painting by Irish-American artist William Michael Harnett. It is a trompe-l'œil piece, designed to create the illusion of reality. 

Key features include:


Everyday objects such as books, a musical instrument (piccolo), sheet music, an oil lamp, matches, and a pitcher are arranged on a tabletop. 

The painting exemplifies trompe-l'œil, a technique that creates a high degree of realism, making the objects appear three-dimensional. 



The objects may allude to the five senses and the fleeting nature of material wealth, typical of vanitas still lifes, though without traditional symbols like skulls. 



William Michael Harnett (1848-1892) was known for his meticulous detail and hyper-realistic style in depicting ordinary objects. 


The original painting is housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. 


The sheet music reads "Helas Quelle Douleur" which translates to "Alas, what pain!"

condition notes: painting itself is in great vintage condition, the frame is missing plaster trim in the top left corner and a small sliver in the top center.

* to ship outside of the continental us please contact us for a shipping quote.