John Sergeant 1811

Thomas Sully’s 1811 portrait of John Sergeant is a fine example of American portraiture from the early 19th century. The sitter is depicted in a three-quarter view, seated in a chair with a letter in his hand. Sully’s mastery of capturing the individual's character is evident in Sergeant's contemplative expression and the detailed rendering of his attire. This portrait is notable for its use of rich, warm colors, highlighting the sitter’s attire and adding depth to the background.