The Gypsy Girl 1839

Thomas Sully's 1839 portrait, *The Gypsy Girl*, depicts a young woman dressed in a red shawl, her face obscured by the shadow of her hood as she leans against a large, draped object. The painting is characterized by Sully's signature loose brushstrokes, a hallmark of Romanticism, with a soft focus on the subject. The background, suggestive of an outdoor scene, suggests a romantic and melancholic tone, which was popular in early 19th century portraiture. *The Gypsy Girl* offers a glimpse into Sully’s mastery of portraiture while employing a picturesque scene that adds intrigue to his subject.