Still life.Trompe l'oeil door, with ephemera tacked to the green door, including image of Abraham Lincoln, money, clippings, and labels. '1809', '1865' and 'ABE' are "carved" into the door.

Reminiscences of 1865, 1904

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On View in Gallery 322expand_more

While many artists were celebrating America’s vastness and natural beauty, John Frederick Peto painted hyperrealistic trompe l’oeil (fool-the-eye) still lifes. Their somber mood and humble subjects speak of a nation still blighted by the destruction of the Civil War (1861–65). Affixed to this worn wooden door are objects that invite reflection on Abraham Lincoln’s life: an image of the assassinated president, his birth and death dates, the nickname Abe. The 25-cent paper money and the coin resembling an Indian Head penny were privately issued Civil War currency.

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Peto, Reminesences of 1865 (#453)
Details
Title
Reminiscences of 1865
Artist Life
1854–1907
Role
Artist
Accession Number
44.25
Curator Approved

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Still life.Trompe l'oeil door, with ephemera tacked to the green door, including image of Abraham Lincoln, money, clippings, and labels. '1809', '1865' and 'ABE' are "carved" into the door.