Attributed to William Williams (Bristol 1727-1791)

The style of the present drawing is very close to that of William Williams, a native of Bristol who began his career as a sailor. Later, drawing on his experiences, he wrote The Journal of Penrose, Seaman which, after failing to find a publisher in his lifetime, was printed in 1815 and is now regarded as the first American novel. Williams settled in Philadelphia around 1747, where he founded an art school and studio; his most famous student was Benjamin West, P.R.A. (1738-1820). Despite his illustrious connections in America, who included Benjamin Franklin, Williams returned to England in 1776 and lived first in London and then in Bristol. By this time he was living in poverty and in his final years was supported by the generosity of his friends.