Samuel Williams, c. 1817. 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.

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Size: 7016px × 8920px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1779-1843, 19th, allston, america, american, art, banker, canvas, century, cleveland, heritage, museum, oil, painting, samuel, washington, williams