Thomas Sully

United States 1783-1872
Thomas Sully (1783-1872) was a prominent American painter whose artistic career spanned over six decades, during which he achieved significant recognition for his portraits and historical scenes. Born in England but raised primarily in the United States, Sully's work is deeply rooted in the Romantic tradition and showcases an adeptness at capturing the essence of his subjects with grace and vivid realism. Sully's early education in art began under the tutelage of his brother Lawrence Sully before he embarked on a more formal training regimen. He honed his skills by studying in London, where he was influenced by the works of Sir Thomas Lawrence, one of the leading portraitists of the time. Upon returning to the United States, Sully established himself as a sought-after portraitist, painting numerous figures from the upper echelons of society, including political leaders, military heroes, and cultural luminaries. Throughout his prolific career, Sully's portraiture was distinguished by its vitality and fluid brushwork, often featuring rich colors and a masterful use of light that illuminated his subjects' personalities. Among his most notable works is "The Passage of the Delaware," a grand historical painting that depicts General George Washington crossing the river during the American Revolutionary War. This piece encapsulates Sully's ability to combine narrative power with dramatic composition. Beyond his portraiture, Sully also created landscapes and genre scenes, although these are less celebrated than his figurative works. His influence extended through his teaching, as he mentored several artists who would later contribute to the American art scene themselves. Sully's contributions were not confined to the canvas alone; he was actively involved in the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts and played a role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States during the 19th century. Through his work, Sully left a lasting legacy that bridges the gap between European and American art traditions, and his portraits continue to be admired for their timeless elegance and emotive depth.

Collection of Works(Page 1)

Andrew Jackson,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, solo, 1boy, male focus, grey hair, old, portrait
Andrew Jackson
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 3356 × 4000 px
Augt 15th. Conway Castle,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, tree, scenery, outdoors, sky, boat
Augt 15th. Conway Castle
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 4096 × 3075 px
Castle on Cliff, with a Stormy Sea, and Shipwreck at Base of Cliff,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting
Castle on Cliff, with a Stormy Sea, and Shipwreck at Base of Cliff
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 3162 × 4096 px
Charles Carnan Ridgely,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, realistic, fine art parody, 1boy, solo
Charles Carnan Ridgely
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 2360 × 2962 px
Angelina Snider,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, solo, 1girl, realistic, brown background, black hair
Angelina Snider
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 2446 × 2920 px
Blanche Sully,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, solo, 1girl, realistic, black hair, brown background
Blanche Sully
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 4491 × 5441 px
Catherine Fuller Potter,,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, 1girl, solo, black hair, fine art parody
Catherine Fuller Potter,
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 2264 × 2772 px
Child Asleep (The Rosebud),Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, sleeping, blonde hair, 1girl, closed eyes
Child Asleep (The Rosebud)
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 3747 × 2410 px
Ann Biddle Hopkinson (Mrs. Francis Hopkinson),Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, 1girl, solo, brown hair
Ann Biddle Hopkinson (Mrs. Francis Hopkinson)
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 2440 × 2865 px
Captain Charles Stewart,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, 1boy, male focus, solo, white pants, holding
Captain Charles Stewart
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 2087 × 3349 px
Catskill - from J R Livingstons. TS,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, no humans, scenery, outdoors
Catskill - from J R Livingstons. TS
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 4096 × 3112 px
Choice of Hercules,Thomas Sully,Oil Painting,Oil Painting, multiple boys, barefoot, outdoors, tree
Choice of Hercules
Painter: Thomas Sully
Resolution: 3550 × 2427 px