(From Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

This sketch comes to us from the early 19th century, made by Thomas Sully. Sully was one of the most sought-after portrait painters of his era. His life and career highlight the intertwining of artistic expression and societal values. During this period, the classical world was seen as the height of civilization. With the rise of nationalism, historical paintings, particularly of battle scenes, were in demand. This study encapsulates both. While it's a sketch, we see multiple figures on horseback, possibly in combat. In the classical tradition, these figures are depicted as mostly nude, emphasizing an idealized form of the body. This choice can be seen as both an aesthetic preference and a political statement. Who gets to be heroic? Who gets memorialized? Whose bodies are celebrated and whose are hidden? This drawing prompts us to reflect on how historical narratives are constructed and whose stories are prioritized in the artistic record.