A Life Study of the Marquis de Lafayette 1825

This unfinished portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, painted in 1825 by American artist Thomas Sully, shows the prominent figure’s face in detail, with a pale background. Known for his portraiture and historical subjects, Sully captured the likeness of Lafayette, a French nobleman who fought in the American Revolution and later became a hero of the French Revolution. The painting’s rough, unfinished state reflects Sully's commitment to capturing his subject's character. While the portrait was never completed, it offers insight into Sully’s artistic process and the historical significance of Lafayette.