
Collection Online as of May 23, 2022
(American, 1779-1843)
Oil on canvas
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1965.474
205 Federal American
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.