America / c. 1817
Samuel Williams
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Samuel Williams as painting (America · c. 1817).
Allston experimented with painting recipes, even attempting to mix his pigment colors with skimmed milk.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Washington Allston (American, 1779–1843).
The museum's collection notes: Allston’s portrait of his London banker and business agent explores the experience of reverie. Williams looks off absently, perhaps inspired by the pictures in the book he holds. With its view of an Italianate landscape beyond the columns of this invented setting, the painting seemingly invites viewers to join the sitter in dreaming about faraway places.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSamuel WilliamsOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.