John Frederick Peto (1854 - 1907) is recognized by the art world as an American master of the trompe l’oeil or “fool the eye” school of still life painting. Born in Philadelphia in , went to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1877 and exhibited there that same year.
Peto was a great 19th-century American painter who was overlooked for many years. According to the museum, "William Harnett’s signature was forged on the best Peto paintings. ... The best of Harnett’s work is actually Peto’s."
Today, John F. Peto is recognized as one of America’s foremost painters of trompe l’oeil still life. His works are represented in the collections of major museums throughout the country.
The permanent collection displays artworks, furniture and artifacts original to the house, historic photographs and more.ur permanent collection displays artworks, furniture and artifacts original to the house, historic photographs and more.