Artwork
Portrait of Mary Sicard David
Portrait of Mary Sicard David is an unspecified painting by the American Folk Art artist Thomas Sully. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of Mary Sicard David, painted by Thomas Sully in 1813, is a portrait housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work captures a serene young woman in a contemplative pose against a natural backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Mary Sicard David, is portrayed with a calm and serene expression, her gaze directed away from the viewer. Her clasped hands and tranquil demeanor evoke a sense of quiet introspection.
Technique & Style
Sully employs a Romanticist approach, evident in the soft, curly brown hair, delicate white dress with puffy sleeves, and the contrasting red shawl. The landscape background, with trees and a cloudy sky, further reinforces the Romantic influence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1813, the painting is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific details of its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided here.
Context
This portrait reflects the artistic currents of its time, embodying the emotional depth and naturalistic themes characteristic of the Romanticism movement, which inspired Sully's work.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Sully was an English-American portrait painter. He was born in England, became a naturalized American citizen in 1809, and lived most of his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including in the Thomas Sully…
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