Two Ounces
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of William Michael Harnett's Two Ounces into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
Two Ounces by William Michael Harnett (1848–1892) is a mesmerizing example of American trompe l'oeil still life painting, where the artist’s virtuosic technique tricks the eye into perceiving three-dimensional reality. Created in 1877, this small-scale oil painting depicts two gold coins—a five-dollar half-eagle and a two-and-a-half-dollar quarter-eagle—arranged with exquisite precision against a weathered wooden surface. The play of light on the coins’ embossed profiles and textured patina, paired with the wood’s grain, creates an almost tactile realism. Harnett, a pioneer of the trompe l'oeil tradition in the U.S., elevates mundane objects into contemplative symbols of wealth and transience. This work exemplifies the Gilded Age’s fascination with materiality while challenging hierarchies between commercial and fine art. Today, it’s celebrated as a masterclass in illusionism, influencing photorealism and securing Harnett’s legacy as a bridge between 19th-century realism and modern precisionism.
For interior styling, Two Ounces’ intimate scale (likely under 12 inches) makes it ideal for study nooks, office libraries, or entryway consoles, where its metallic hues can echo brass desk accessories or warm wood finishes. Pair it with other small-format trompe l'oeil works or vintage banking ephemera for a curated "cabinet of curiosities" vibe. Framed in an ornate gilt or blackened oak shadowbox, the painting’s muted gold-and-brown palette would harmonize with leather furnishings, Persian rugs, or Art Deco accents. In minimalist spaces, let it stand alone as a striking focal point against sage green or charcoal walls, its illusionistic depth adding visual intrigue. Avoid overcrowding; the work demands scrutiny. For offices, position it near task lighting to enhance its gleaming details, reinforcing themes of prosperity and craftsmanship.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
