Samuel Williams

Samuel Williams by Washington Allston: Allston’s portrait of his London banker and business agent explores the experience of reverie.

What to notice

In Samuel Williams by Washington Allston, start with portrait, landscape, complex. Then look closely at this museum-described detail: Williams looks off absently, perhaps inspired by the pictures in the book he holds.

Discover

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.