(From Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

This sketchbook page, created by American artist Thomas Sully between 1810 and 1820, features a series of quick sketches. The drawing style is characterized by loose lines and gestural strokes, capturing a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. The figures, including a seated woman, a man, a reclining pair, and a standing figure with an ostrich, likely served as studies for larger compositions. Sully’s sketches exemplify the creative process of a prominent early American artist, demonstrating his evolving artistic style and his keen interest in observation and detail. The page is an intimate glimpse into Sully’s working method, showcasing his deft handling of line and form.