Portrait of William Hayley with his son Thomas, William Meyer, & the Artist

The poet William Hayley, wearing grey, is seated at a table with books. His son, holding a statue of Minerva after the antique, stands on his right, with William Meyer beside him in profile. Romney is seen looking over Hayley's left shoulder. William Hayley was Romney's friend and biographer and, to amuse him during a visit, the artist began this picture of the four friends, which was thought one of his best. This painting is also known as 'The Four Friends'.