Mrs. Andrew Sigourney
Gilbert Stuart American
Elizabeth Williams (1765–1843) was the eldest daughter of Elizabeth Bell and Henry Howell Williams. In 1797, she married Andrew Sigourney, a prominent Bostonian. Over the course of his life, Sigourney served as treasurer of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, treasurer of the town of Boston, and representative in the Massachusetts state legislature. Here, Stuart has toned down the almost sensual quality he lent many female sitters in order to emphasize Mrs. Sigourney’s knowing intelligence and prosperity.