Perseus and Andromeda (after the Titian?); Hercules Wrestling Nemion Lion (from Sketchbook)

Art Historical Context

In the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum Art, this intriguing sketchbook page by Thomas Sully (1783–1872) two timeless myths from classical antiquity. Dating to around 1810–20, it features *Perseus and Andromeda—possibly inspired by Titian's Renaissance masterpiece—on one side, depicting the hero rescuing the chained princess from a sea monster, alongside *Hercules Wrestling the Nemean Lion*, showcasing the demigod's legendary first labor. Rendered in ink and wash on paper (9 x 11½ inches), these dynamic compositions reveal Sully's early mastery of dramatic narrative. As a leading American painter influenced by European neoclassicism and Romanticism, Sully—renowned for his luminous portraits of figures like Queen Victoria—often turned to mythology for inspiration. This modest yet vigorous medium of ink lines and translucent washes allowed for swift, expressive studies, highlighting form, movement, and shadow with economical flair. Such sketches offer a window into the artist's preparatory process during his formative years in Philadelphia and London. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1953, this work underscores the cultural revival of Greco-Roman heroes in early 19th-century America, blending European tradition with emerging national identity. Visitors will appreciate how Sully's fluid technique breathes life into these epic tales, inviting us to ponder heroism across centuries.

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...