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Old Souvenirs

John F. Peto American
ca. 1881–1901
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 763
This characteristic painting by Peto bears the false signature of William Michael Harnett, his better-known contemporary. Ironically, Harnett appears to have been inspired to create “rack” paintings by Peto’s work. Both Philadelphia artists studied and exhibited in the centennial years at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the city’s leading arts institution, and gravitated toward similar still-life subjects. While Harnett seemed more interested in qualities of illusion, Peto’s pictures appear to carry greater psychological weight. Old Souvenirs presents tattered pieces of paper with personal meaning for the artist, including a photograph of his young daughter.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Old Souvenirs
  • Artist: John F. Peto (1854–1907)
  • Date: ca. 1881–1901
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 26 3/4 x 22 in. (67.9 x 55.9 cm)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Oliver Burr Jennings, 1968
  • Object Number: 68.205.3
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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