The Expansionist (the Traveled Man) 1899

"The Expansionist (the Traveled Man)" is an 1899 painting by American artist Francis Davis Millet (1847-1912). The painting depicts a man seated at a desk, surrounded by maps, a globe, and other artifacts, suggesting a man of adventure and exploration. A woman stands nearby, observing him with a mix of admiration and perhaps apprehension, perhaps alluding to the sacrifices made by those who choose to journey to far-off lands. The scene is filled with detail, creating a sense of lived-in comfort, but also hinting at the restlessness and desire for discovery that drives the protagonist's wanderlust.