John Philip Kemble by Sully, Thomas
Thomas Sully's 1867 portrait, "John Philip Kemble," at an unnamed museum, is a fascinating example of an artist revisiting a famous subject. Although painted in the late 19th century, it deliberately evokes an earlier style.
Sully, an American artist (1783-1872), painted several versions of John Philip Kemble, a celebrated actor. This particular work captures Kemble's dignified presence through a dramatic red jacket and a thoughtful expression, with the visible brushwork adding to its classicist feel.
Sully often created copies of popular portraits by other artists. In this case, he was inspired by a portrait of Kemble by the renowned British painter Sir Thomas Lawrence. Lawrence's original work sold for a significant sum in 1824, highlighting the enduring appeal of the subject and the artistic style.
This painting's existence speaks to the ways art historical value can be interpreted and reappraised over time. What draws you to an artwork, its subject or its style?
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Transcript
This portrait looks old, but it isn't. It was painted in 1867, but copied from a much earlier work. The painter, Thomas Sully, made several versions of this same subject. The original, by Sir Thomas Lawrence, sold for a high price in 1824. Sully wanted to capture that earlier painting's dramatic flair. This version was acquired by a museum for its rich tones.