(From Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Thomas Sully's sketchbook drawing captivates with its dynamic composition and fluid lines, rendered on paper. The monochromatic palette enhances the focus on form and movement. Sully masterfully employs contour lines to delineate figures and horses, creating a sense of classical dynamism. The arrangement of figures across the page suggests a narrative, yet the fragmented nature of the sketches invites multiple interpretations. Each figure is rendered with quick, confident strokes, capturing fleeting moments of action and emotion. This work destabilizes the traditional notion of a finished composition, offering instead a glimpse into the artist's creative process. Sully's drawing explores themes of classical dynamism and the human form, challenging viewers to engage with the artwork's underlying structure.