the collector's folio

John F. Peto Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John F. Peto our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John F. Peto · 1854 – 1907

Office Board

1885 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 62 x 51 cm

Explore John Frederick Peto's masterful trompe l'oeil painting "Office Board," depicting an organized workspace with a portrait and subtle details reflecting the artist’s meticulous approach to capturing everyday life.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24151 × 62 cm Commission at original size

The Old Violin

1890 · National Gallery of Art, Washington

Experience 'The Old Violin' by John Frederick Peto – a stunning trompe l’oeil masterpiece capturing the beauty of aged wood and musical instruments. A rediscovered American classic.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The Old Cremona

1887 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 41 x 31 cm

Discover 'The Old Cremona' by John Frederick Peto – a masterful Trompe-l’oeil still life mimicking Harnett. Explore its aged beauty, textural depth & nostalgic charm.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18531 × 41 cm Commission at original size

Old Souvenirs

1901 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 68 x 56 cm

Discover 'Old Souvenirs' by John Frederick Peto – a captivating trompe l’oeil painting filled with nostalgic objects and a hidden portrait. Explore its rich details & history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26056 × 68 cm Commission at original size

Lights of Other Days

1906 · Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

This somber trompe l'oeil still life by John F. Peto captures aged objects in dramatic light. Shop this evocative masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Old Time Card Rack

1900 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 3.0 x 2.5cm

This 1900 trompe-l'oeil painting by John Frederick Peto captures nostalgic ephemera. Explore this evocative masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Toms River

1905 · Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid

Discover John Frederick Peto (1854-1907), the American trompe l'oeil master! Explore his captivating still lifes of everyday objects, a rediscovered gem of realism & emotion.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Office Board for Smith Brothers Coal

1879 · Addison Gallery of American Art, Massachusetts

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Books, Mug, Pipe and Violin

1880 · Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid · original 63.7 x 76.1cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29176 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Rack Picture for William Malcolm Bunn

1882 · Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. · original 75.56 x 66.04cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20229 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32066 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Fish House Door

1905 · Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Mug, Book, Biscuits, and Match

1893 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 18 x 21 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Still Life with Lanterns

Brooklyn Museum, New York City

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Lamps of Other Days

1900 · Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Job Lot Cheap

1901 · Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco

Explore 'Job Lot Cheap' by John Frederick Peto (1901). A captivating Realist still life showcasing Trompe l’oeil mastery & nostalgic decay. Discover American art's hidden beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Inkwell and Plume on Old Book

1880

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Still Life with Cake, Lemon, Strawberries, and Glass

1890 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 36 x 46 cm

Admire 'Still Life with Cake' by John Frederick Peto – a stunning Trompe l’oeil masterpiece featuring luscious fruits & a classic American aesthetic. Hand-painted reproduction available.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19746 × 36 cm Commission at original size

The Artist's Table

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville · original 15.9 x 23.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Nine Book

1895 · Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Still Life with Oranges and Goblet of Wine

1890 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 25 x 33 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Jug, Books and Candle on a Cupboard Shelf

1890 · High Museum of Art, Atlanta

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

A Closet Door

1904 · Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Breakfast

1890 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 25 x 33 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Straw Hat, Bag, and Umbrella

1900 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 42 x 27 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18127 × 42 cm Commission at original size

In the Library

1900 · Timken Museum of Art, San Diego · original 76.2 x 101.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 173 artworks by John F. Peto
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$375102 × 76 cm Commission at original size

The artist

John F. Peto

1854 – 1907

Quick facts

Corpus themestrompe l'oeil mastery, peto's signature style, american realism focus, american realism, domesticity
Best occasionsaccent
NationalityUnited States
Emotional tonemelancholic
Works on APS173
Mediumsacrylic on canvas, oil on canvas
Also known asJohn Frederick Peto, John Peto, Peto, ジョン・フレデリック・ピートー, john f. peto
Art period19th Century

Biography

John Frederick Peto: A Rediscovered Master of American Trompe l'oeil

Born: Philadelphia, United States of America (1854)
Died: 1907

John Frederick Peto was an American artist renowned for his mastery of *trompe l'oeil* painting – a technique that aims to deceive the viewer into believing that painted objects are real. For many years, Peto’s work remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in the late 20th century alongside that of fellow trompe l'oeil artist William Harnett. His paintings offer a unique glimpse into everyday life and material culture of the late 19th century.

Early Life and Artistic Training

Peto received his early artistic training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied alongside William Harnett.
He regularly submitted works to the annual exhibitions at the Philadelphia Academy during his early career.
In 1889, Peto relocated to Island Heights, New Jersey, a pivotal moment that significantly shaped his artistic style and subject matter.

Artistic Style and Characteristics

Trompe l'oeil Technique: Peto’s defining characteristic was his exceptional skill in *trompe l'oeil*. He meticulously rendered ordinary objects – pistols, horseshoes, scraps of paper, keys, books – creating an illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface.
Shallow Space and Composition: His paintings typically feature arrangements of these objects within a shallow space, enhancing the sense of depth and realism.
Emphasis on Shadow and Texture: Peto paid close attention to shadow play and texture, further contributing to the deceptive quality of his work. He used subtle gradations of light and shade to create the illusion of tangible surfaces.
Color Palette & Technique: Peto's mature works are characterized by an opaque and powdery texture, often compared to that of Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, a renowned 18th-century French painter. His color palettes were generally muted and earthy, reflecting the tones of aged objects and worn surfaces.

Rediscovery and Legacy

Forgotten Years: After moving to Island Heights, Peto largely withdrew from the mainstream art world. He lived a quiet life, supplementing his income with painting for tourists and playing music at local events. His work was essentially forgotten for decades.
Posthumous Recognition: The rediscovery of Peto’s paintings in the late 20th century brought renewed attention to his talent. Scholars began to recognize his unique contribution to American art.
Comparison with Harnett: While often compared to William Harnett, Peto's style is generally considered more abstract and emotionally resonant than Harnett's technically brilliant but sometimes rigid approach. Peto’s compositions are less formal, and his objects tend to be older and more worn.
Museums and Collections: Today, Peto’s paintings can be found in prominent museums across the United States, including the John F. Peto Studio Museum, dedicated to preserving his legacy.

Notable Works

Take Your Choice (1885)
Reminiscences of 1865 (1901)
Job Lot Cheap (1901)
Still Life with Mug, Pipe and Book (1870)
Still Life with Oranges and Banana (c. 1880)

For further information on John Frederick Peto's life and work, please visit WikiOO.org.

Questions & Answers

Where can I see John F. Peto's artworks in chronological order?

The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents John F. Peto's works ordered by date, year by year.

Is there a 3D virtual tour of John F. Peto's works?

John F. Peto's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.

In which historical period did John F. Peto work?

John F. Peto worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was John Frederick Peto born?
What artistic style is John Frederick Peto best known for?
In what New Jersey town did Peto develop his unique style after 1889?
Which artist's work is often compared to Peto’s due to its opaque and powdery texture?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by John F. Peto