Half-length Bearded Man in Armor and Cape, Drawing Sword (Macbeth?); Three Standing Angels (or Witches?); Male Figure in Skins (from Sketchbook)

Art Historical Context

This lively sketchbook page by Thomas Sully, a leading American portraitist of the early 19th century, the artist's imaginative flair around 1810–20. Rendered in ink and wash on paper—a technique where diluted ink creates soft tonal washes for depth and drama— the 9 x 11½-inch sheet features three distinct figures: a half-length bearded man in armor and dramatically drawing his sword (perhaps evoking Shakespeare's Macbeth?), three ethereal standing angels (or enigmatic witches?), and a rugged male figure draped in skins. Sully, influenced by British masters like Reynolds, often filled his sketchbooks with such exploratory drawings to refine ideas for portraits and theatrical compositions. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this work highlights Sully's versatility beyond formal portraits. Active in Philadelphia's vibrant cultural scene, he drew inspiration from literature and mythology, blending historical costumes with dynamic poses. The ambiguity in the figures—angels or witches?—invites viewers to ponder Sully's creative process, showcasing how sketchbooks served as playgrounds for 19th-century artists honing their neoclassical and romantic sensibilities. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1953, this piece offers a rare glimpse into the preparatory world of American art, reminding us that even grand visions often begin with quick, expressive strokes on humble paper.

About the Artist

Thomas Sully · 1783–1872

Thomas Sully, born on June 19, 1783, in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England, to actor parents Matthew Sully and Sarah Chester, emigrated with his family to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1792. Raised in a theatrical environment, young Thomas debuted as a tumbler at age 11 before discovering his artistic talent. He studied miniature painting with his brother Lawrence Sully, brother-in-law Jean Belzon...