The Banker's Table

William Michael Harnett

1877 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

In a departure from the fruits and vegetables Harnett painted at the outset of his career, this tabletop still life represents manufactured objects. The leather-bound volumes, stained ink bottle, and much-used quill pen show “the mellowing effect of age,” which the artist praised in an undated interview. The varied objects reveal Harnett’s skill in rendering different textures. Although the rolled coins and other currency probably determined the title, there is nothing in the work or its history to indicate that it was commissioned by or painted for a particular banker.

Artist

William Michael Harnett

Date

1877

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Purchase, Elihu Root Jr. Gift, 1956