Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is a gouache drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Sully. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in graphite on mount by unknown hand: Thomas Sully - self-portrait; upper right verso on mount in graphite by unknown hand: 2-446
About this work
Overview
Thomas Sully's Self-Portrait is a drawing created in 1828, executed in gouache and watercolor over graphite on paper mounted on paperboard.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts Sully seated, holding a sketchbook and pencil, dressed in formal attire consisting of a black jacket, white shirt, and black bow tie, set against a warm, earthy background.
Technique & Style
The combination of gouache, watercolor, and graphite on paper creates a sense of depth and texture, characteristic of the artist's skillful handling of mixed media.
Context
The style and attire in the drawing are consistent with the Romantic period, suggesting a connection to the artistic and cultural currents of the time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Sully was an English-American portrait painter. He was born in England, became a naturalized American citizen in 1809, and lived most of his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including in the Thomas Sully…
