Flirtation 

Thomas Sully captured this intimate scene of ‘Flirtation’ with oil on canvas. The artwork is dominated by a figure emerging from a dark background, her face partially obscured by her hand, a gesture that invites the viewer into a game of concealment and revelation. Sully's use of light is strategic; it illuminates the woman's face and hands, drawing attention to the subtle expression in her visible eye and the delicate touch of her fingers. The red shawl, draped casually over her shoulders, adds a splash of color that contrasts with the muted tones of her skin and hair. The formal composition suggests a study in gesture and expression. The subject's hand acts as a semiotic barrier, both hiding and revealing, creating a dynamic tension that challenges the viewer's gaze. This interplay between concealment and exposure highlights the artwork's engagement with the complexities of social interaction and the subtleties of personal presentation. It prompts us to consider the ways in which we construct and interpret visual cues in our own encounters.