Horseman Addressing Two Women; Palette, Brushes in Artist's Hands, Picture and Easel Beyond; Putto Blowing Clarion (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Thomas Sully, a prominent portrait painter, created this sketch using graphite on paper. Sully lived through a transformative period in American history, witnessing the country's expansion and the entrenchment of its social hierarchies. In this piece, a horseman engages with two women. There's an interesting interplay between power, gender, and representation here. The horseman, elevated on his steed, symbolizes authority, while the women, grouped together, seem to represent collective femininity. Note the inclusion of artistic tools: palette, brushes, and easel. These elements suggest a reflection on the act of creation itself. The putto blowing a clarion adds an allegorical dimension, perhaps heralding the arrival of inspiration or fame. Sully occupied a unique position in society as a sought-after artist catering to the elite. His work often reflected and reinforced the values of this class. This sketch, however, with its raw and unfinished quality, offers a more intimate glimpse into the artist’s creative process. It asks us to consider the artist’s role in shaping cultural narratives.