throughmirrorA different way of seeing
The Old Violin — A violin and scraps of paper seem to hang on a wooden door.
Look closely. Let the image settle.
Illusions in painting / 1886

The Old Violin

A violin and scraps of paper seem to hang on a wooden door.

TRY THIS

Look at the corners of the music and envelope, then at the violin’s shadows.

FOLLOW THE SOURCES

History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

William Michael Harnett

Original file & attribution · CC0

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Old Violin?

A violin and scraps of paper seem to hang on a wooden door.

What should I look for in The Old Violin?

Look at the corners of the music and envelope, then at the violin’s shadows.

What explains The Old Violin?

Life-like scale, wood grain, cast shadows, and projecting paper corners encourage viewers to treat the scene as an arrangement of actual objects.

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The Old Violin — A violin and scraps of paper seem to hang on a wooden door.

The Old Violin