Figure Studies [verso]

c. 1815

Thomas Sully

Associated Names
Thomas Sully

Artist, American, born England, 1783 - 1872

The image is a sketch on paper with faint drawings that are not deeply detailed. There are partial outlines of two figures, possibly seated, though only parts of the upper body are sketched, providing only a general impression of their posture. The faces of the figures are lightly drawn, with minimal detail such as a suggestion of a nose and lips, and they lack defined expressions or specific hairstyles. The clothing is indicated with a few lines, without specific features. No jewelry or objects being held are visible. The background is plain and unadorned, with some abstract lines and faint numbers or letters inscribed on the lower portion of the drawing, along with a small 'x' mark near the top center. The entire sketch has a rough and unfinished quality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The image shows an upper-body portrait of a person seated and facing slightly to the viewer's right. The person is sitting in a relaxed position, leaning back in a chair. Their facial features are expressive with emphasis on the brow and eyes, and they have short, dark hair. They are wearing a dark coat and a light-colored shirt, and appear to be holding an object, potentially a book, in their lap. In the background, there are rectangular shapes hinting at book spines or boxes on a surface, with the rest of the background being plain and neutral in color.

Man Holding a Book [recto]

Thomas Sully

1810


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ruth Sully Curtis (the artist's great-granddaughter), Norwood, Pennsylvania; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1968; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1983

  • Simmons, Linda Crocker and with the assistance of Adrianne J. Humphrey, et al. American Drawings, Watercolors, Pastels, and Collages in the Collection of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Washington, DC: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1983: p. 3, no. 19.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite by unknown hand: 14 x 18

Wikidata ID

Q64633312

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