Micah Williams

Periodca. 1829 - 1832

MediumOil on wood panel

Dimensions12.25 × 10.1 in. (31.1 × 25.7 cm)

InscribedInscribed on reverse, "Mr. Williams / W [or H.] Vry." and two paper labels for M. J. DeVausney & C. S. Mossop, manufacturers of picture frames at 11 New Street, Newark, NJ.

ClassificationsPortraits

Credit LineMarshall P. Blankarn Purchasing Fund and Museum Purchase, 1980

Object number1980.3.3

DescriptionOval portrait of a middle age male facing right with graying brown hair combed forward and short curling sideburns down to his jaw line, black jacket and vest, white shirt and white stock. He is seated in a red-upholstered chair, and is holding an artist's palette and several brushes in his left hand. The background is a reddish-brown.
Curatorial RemarksThe portrait is believed to have been created by another artist named "W. [or H.] Vry" while Williams was living in New York City. The composition, shading, and balance of light and dark tones indicate that the artist had received formal training in portraiture.NotesMicah Williams (1782 - 1837) was a self-trained itinerant pastellist operating out of New Brunswick, Middlesex County. Williams married Margaret Priestley in 1806 and the couple had seven children. By about 1816, Williams traveled to numerous areas of New Jersey, particularly Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, portraying local farmers, businessmen, professional men and their families. In 1829, Williams and his family relocated to New York City, apparently to allow the artist to learn how to paint in oils. Virtually nothing is known of Williams' movements during this period. In 1834, the family moved back to New Brunswick, where Williams lived until his death three years later.

Collections

Portraits

ProvenanceBy descent to the subject's great granddaughter, Miss Anna I. Morgan, then to her great niece, Mrs. Talmadge D. (Dorothy) Smith, Bridgeport, CT.