Reclining Female Nude in Landscape; Two Architectural Sketches (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Thomas Sully's "Reclining Female Nude in Landscape; Two Architectural Sketches (from Sketchbook)" is a watercolor and ink study from 1810-1820. The artist, known for his portraits, used this work to explore the figure and landscape through a loose and expressive approach. The composition features a female nude reclining by a stream, her form loosely rendered against a background of stylized rocks and foliage. Two small architectural sketches on the right side suggest a possible larger composition and indicate Sully's interest in classical architecture. This intimate sketch exemplifies Sully's talent for capturing the essence of a subject with quick and confident strokes.