Sarah Rogers Gracie King, Mrs. James Gore King, Wife of 'The Gold Beater' 1831

This portrait of Sarah Rogers Gracie King was painted by Thomas Sully, using oil on canvas. Sully's skill is evident in the way he coaxes light from the fabric of Mrs. King's gown. Its silken texture isn't just depicted, but seems to glow from within. This isn't just a matter of technique, but also social context. The gown speaks volumes about the King family's wealth, and the labor required to produce such fine materials. It's worth noting that Mrs. King's husband was known as "The Gold Beater," a term referencing the skilled craftspeople who hammered gold into incredibly thin sheets for various decorative purposes. Sully has subtly alluded to this through the shimmering fabric, its value directly connected to the work of unseen hands. Considering the materials, making, and social context allows us to appreciate the full meaning of the artwork.