William Joseph Williams

William Joseph Williams (November 17, 1759 – November 30, 1823) was an American portrait and miniature painter.

Portrait of George Washington by Williams, 1794

Biography edit

He was born in New York City, the son of William Williams, a Welsh painter born in Bristol, and Mary Mare Williams, sister of the painter John Mare.[1]

Williams resided in New Bern, North Carolina from 1804 to 1823, after living in Philadelphia, Georgetown, and Charleston.[2]

He painted portraits of Presidents Washington John Adams and John Jameson (Colonel), as well as other important figures of his time.

Williams died in New Bern and buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery.[3] Today, Williams is viewed as one of the first American national portraitists.

References edit

  1. ^ Mr. Penrose: The Journal of Penrose, Seaman by William Williams
  2. ^ Neil Jeffares. Dictionary of pastellists before 1800: Williams, William Joseph. Archived
  3. ^ Survey Planning Unit Staff (September 1972). "Cedar Grove Cemetery" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places – Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2014-08-01.

External links edit