Drowned Man in Sea; Two Figures in Turkish Costume (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Thomas Sully, a prominent American painter of the 19th century, created this ink and watercolor sketch around 1810-1820. The sketch, titled "Drowned Man in Sea; Two Figures in Turkish Costume (from Sketchbook)" is an example of his use of quick, expressive strokes to capture a scene. The left side of the sketch depicts a turbulent seascape with a drowned man amidst the waves, while the right side shows two figures in Turkish garb, likely figures from a larger composition. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this small-scale work, measuring just 9 x 11 1/2 inches, showcasing Sully's early exploration of visual narrative and subject matter.