Artwork
William Gwynn
William Gwynn is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Thomas Sully. It dates from 1821 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
A man sits in a chair in old-fashioned clothes, his face serious. Thomas Sully gave close attention to the face and hands and used subtle, muted colors to set a calm mood. Oil on canvas, 1821.
Technique & Style
The painting is classified strictly as a portrait, focusing on the depiction of William Gwynn as a male subject.
Created in 1821, Thomas Sully's portrait of William Gwynn is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 59.1 centimeters in height and 49.5 centimeters in width, adhering to the standard dimensions for formal portraiture of the era. As an oil-on-canvas piece housed within the American Wing, the medium allows for the nuanced rendering of the sitter's features and attire typical of Sully's style.
The painting is classified strictly as a portrait, focusing on the depiction of William Gwynn as a male subject. While specific details regarding the brushwork or current physical condition are not detailed in the provided records, the formal classification confirms its status as a traditional oil painting from the early 19th century.
History & Provenance
Thomas Sully painted the portrait of William Gwynn in 1821. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork was created with Gwynn as its main subject. The piece measures 59.1 by 49.5 centimeters.
While the specifics of its commission and early ownership chain are not detailed in the available records, the painting is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified under The American Wing.
The portrait is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is catalogued as an oil on canvas by Thomas Sully dated 1821. It entered the museum’s collection as accession number 1975.1.157. The painting has no documented exhibition history recorded in the provided sources.
Overview
This oil on canvas depicts William Gwynn, presented in a formal seated pose. The artist rendered the subject with careful attention to his features and attire, capturing a contemplative expression. The overall composition employs a restrained palette, contributing to a quiet and dignified atmosphere. This work exemplifies portraiture from its period, focusing on individual character.
Subject & Meaning
William Gwynn is portrayed with a serious demeanor, his gaze direct yet reserved. Dressed in period clothing, he occupies a chair, suggesting a moment of quiet reflection or formal presentation. The artist's focus on Gwynn's face and hands emphasizes his individuality, inviting viewers to consider the sitter's character and social standing through his composed presence.
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…
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