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Alas, Poor Yorick, 1877. Creator: William Michael Harnett
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Alas, Poor Yorick, 1877. Creator: William Michael Harnett
Alas, Poor Yorick, 1877
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Media ID 36349906
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1870s Gender Harnett William Michael Pipe Tobacco Weights And Measures William Michael Harnett Kilo Kilogram Pastime
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Alas, Poor Yorick," painted by American artist William Michael Harnett in 1877, is a captivating oil on canvas work housed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This masterpiece of the 19th century represents a significant contribution to the bachelor still life genre, a popular theme during this period that depicted leisurely scenes of solitary men and their possessions. The painting's title is derived from a famous soliloquy from Shakespeare's Hamlet, spoken as the prince holds the skull of his jester, Yorick. In Harnett's interpretation, the skull appears as a prop among a collection of mundane objects, including a pipe, tobacco pouch, and weights and measures, arranged on a table. The still life is bathed in soft, natural light, casting subtle shadows that add depth and texture to the scene. Harnett's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the realistic depiction of the objects, which are rendered with such precision that they appear almost three-dimensional. The artist's use of color and tone creates a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as if the viewer is peering into the past. This painting, measuring approximately 24 x 30 inches (61 x 76 cm), is a testament to the artist's skill and the enduring appeal of still life as a genre. Harnett's "Alas, Poor Yorick" invites us to contemplate the passage of time and the transience of material possessions, while also showcasing the beauty and richness of the American artistic heritage. The painting's title, "Alas, Poor Yorick," serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment. Harnett's masterful composition invites us to reflect on the past while also appreciating the beauty of the present, making it a must-see for any art enthusiast or student of American art history.
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