Artwork

The Poor Author and the Rich Bookseller

The Poor Author and the Rich Bookseller, by Washington Allston, oil, 1811
The Poor Author and the Rich Bookseller, by Washington Allston, oil, 1811

The Poor Author and the Rich Bookseller is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Washington Allston. It dates from 1811 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

The Poor Author and the Rich Bookseller is an oil painting by Washington Allston, created in 1811. It is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene of three men and a dog in a room, contrasting the poor author with the rich bookseller. The author sits with a quill pen, while the bookseller stands nearby, surrounded by papers and books.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in oil paint, with attention to the textures of clothing, furniture, and the dog. The room's interior, with its white walls, table, and doorway, is rendered in detail.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Washington Allston

Artist

Washington Allston

American, Georgetown, South Carolina 1779–1843 Cambridgeport, Massachusetts