Seven Figure Sketches: Standing Female Nude with Fruit; Madonna and Child (?); Two Female Busts; Recumbent Semi-nude Figure, etc. (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

This sketchbook page by Thomas Sully, dated 1810-1820, features several quick sketches in pen and ink. The page includes a standing female nude holding a fruit, a Madonna and child, two female busts, and a recumbent semi-nude figure. This work reflects Sully's practice of drawing from life to develop his skills in figure drawing and composition, which would later be seen in his well-known portraits. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this insightful page from the artist's creative process.