April 11 – September 14, 2014
An exhibition organized by Monmouth County Historical Association

Sponsors

Jack Morton, Rago Arts and Auction Center, Saul Ewing LLP, Princeton Area Community Foundation, Pheasant Hill Foundation, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, New Jersey Historical Commission, Chubb, PNC Wealth Management, Monmouth County Historical Association

Traveling portrait artist and New Jersey resident Micah Williams (1782-1837) was a prolific artist who has 272 known existing works. His works are represented in many major museums and are highly sought after by folk art collectors. Yet, there has never been an exhibition dedicated solely to the work of Micah Williams. Micah Williams: Portrait Artist, on loan to Morven from Monmouth County Historical Association, tells a story about the new America of the 19th century.

With over 40 portraits on view, visitors can come face-to-face with the state’s nineteenth century farmers, orchard growers, militia officers, politicians, silversmiths, potters, carpenters, and their families.

The exhibition will also debut Morven’s newest acquisition: a pastel portrait of Commodore Robert Field Stockton (1795-1866) completed by Micah Williams around 1821. Stockton was a third-generation resident of Morven, head the Pacific Fleet and a U.S. Senator. With this exhibition, the portrait makes its return to the walls at Morven.