Thomas Sully, 1783 – 1872

Thomas Sully: The 100 Most Famous Paintings

Queen Victoria (1838) is the most famous painting by Thomas Sully, held by the Wallace Collection in Londra. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786 (1823) and George Washington (1840) are the next two works the world knows best. From the 437 works of Thomas Sully in our catalogue, here are the 100 that collectors and museum visitors look at most, with the year, the museum and the story of each.

Clasate în funcție de scorul nostru de popularitate, care combină numărul de căutări, vizite și comenzi pentru fiecare operă. Actualizat Octombrie 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.

Portretul lui Thomas Sully
Thomas Sully · 1783 – 1872
Născut · Decedat
1783 – 1872, Horncastle
Mișcare
Romanticism
Lucrări din catalogul nostru
437
Cele mai celebre
Queen Victoria (1838)
Cele mai multe lucrări la
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Top 10: Thomas Sully's best-known paintings

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786 (1823) de Thomas Sully
2

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786

1823 · Oil On Canvas · Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven

Thomas Jefferson steps from the shadows of a doorway into a soft, overcast light. He is captured in a moment of transition, moving toward an outdoor setting that remains indistinct and atmospheric. His gaze is directed slightly upward and away, suggesting a mind preoccupied with matters beyond the immediate frame. He wears a long, dark purple or plum-colored coat with wide cuffs, a garment that holds its form through heavy,…

George Washington (1840) de Thomas Sully
3

George Washington

1840 · Oil On Canvas · Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Thomas Sully rendered this portrait of George Washington in 1840. Executed in oil on canvas, the work captures the likeness of the American leader with a focus on formal dignity. The portrait belongs to the tradition of nineteenth-century American portraiture, reflecting the era's emphasis on character and status.

Dr. Edward Hudson (1810) de Thomas Sully
4

Dr. Edward Hudson

1810 · Oil On Canvas · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Thomas Sully’s “Mrs. Edward Hudson,” completed in 1814, stands as an emblem of the Victorian era's fascination with portraiture and its celebration of aristocratic status. More than just a likeness of Dr. Edward Hudson—a prominent physician and influential figure within London society—the painting embodies the ideals of refinement, intellect, and moral virtue that defined the period’s artistic sensibilities.

Child Asleep (The Rosebud) (1841) de Thomas Sully
5

Child Asleep (The Rosebud)

1841 · Oil On Canvas · Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

In the quietude of Thomas Sully’s 1841 masterpiece, Child Asleep (The Rosebud), we find more than a mere depiction of infancy; we encounter a profound meditation on innocence and the ephemeral nature of beauty. This exquisite oil on canvas serves as a cornerstone of American Romanticism, capturing a moment of absolute tranquility that seems to suspend time itself. The painting presents a serene tableau where a sleeping infant rests upon…

The Coleman Sisters (1844) de Thomas Sully
6

The Coleman Sisters

1844 · Acrylic On Canvas · National Gallery of Art, Washington

Thomas Sully’s “The Coleman Sisters,” painted in 1844, is more than just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed tableau of Victorian elegance imbued with an undercurrent of melancholic beauty. The painting depicts three young women – likely sisters – posed before a simple wall backdrop, their postures and expressions hinting at both composure and a quiet introspection that speaks volumes about the era’s societal expectations for women.

William B. Wood as "Charles de Moor" (1810) de Thomas Sully
7

William B. Wood as "Charles de Moor"

1810 · Oil · National Gallery of Art, Washington

In this oil painting from 1810, we find ourselves drawn into a dramatic landscape at the edge of day. The composition centers on a reclining figure, William B. Wood, portrayed here through the persona of "Charles de Moor." He rests within a rugged terrain, his arm outstretched toward the left, guiding our gaze across the scene. There is a certain tension in his pose, an energy that suggests a narrative…

Thomas Sully (1815) de Thomas Sully
8

Thomas Sully

1815 · Oil · National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.

The Painter in the Shadows A young man gazes out from the canvas, his eyes meeting the viewer with a calm, contemplative stillness. He sits amidst the tools of his trade, the blurred shapes of a palette and paintbrushes resting in the foreground, hinting at a life lived through the application of pigment. The light falls heavily upon one side of his face, a technique of deep shadows and bright…

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis (1819) de Thomas Sully
9

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis

1819 · Oil On Canvas · Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Бентовил

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis is rendered in a full-length, vertical composition that emphasizes his military authority. He stands with a slight, dynamic tilt, positioned off-center against an atmospheric backdrop of swirling grey and beige clouds. This setting suggests the smoke and dust of a battlefield, providing a somber environment for the subject. The lighting, originating from the upper left, casts subtle shadows across his face and body, creating a sense…

Eliza Melville Young McAllister (Mrs. John McAllister, Jr.) (1790-1853) (1831) de Thomas Sully
10

Eliza Melville Young McAllister (Mrs. John McAllister, Jr.) (1790-1853)

1831 · Oil On Canvas · Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge

The air in the room feels still, held in a quiet suspension as Eliza Melville Young McAllister meets the viewer's gaze. She sits with a poise that suggests a life of quiet refinement, her expression composed and steady. The light, soft and directional, spills from the upper left, brushing against the pale curve of her cheek and the delicate, translucent lace of her headpiece. This illumination creates a gentle depth,…

The rest of the Thomas Sully ranking, 11 to 100

John Finley (1821) de Thomas Sully
#11

John Finley

1821 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

Thomas Sully's "John Finley," painted in 1821, is more than just a likeness; it’s a carefully constructed embodiment of power and prestige within the burgeoning American landscape. The…

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John Sergeant (1811) de Thomas Sully
#13

John Sergeant

1811 · National Portrait Gallery

This portrait of John Sergeant was painted by Thomas Sully in 1811. The sitter, a man of significant political and legal standing, is captured here in a moment…

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Mother and Son (1840) de Thomas Sully
#14

Mother and Son

1840 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

Mother and Son: An Allegory of Domestic Harmony This magnificent portrait by Thomas Sully, completed in 1840, transcends mere representation; it embodies a profound meditation on familial bonds…

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Isabella Tod Stewart (1837) de Thomas Sully
#16

Isabella Tod Stewart

1837 · Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The sitter faces the viewer with a steady, direct gaze, her presence anchored by the deep shadows of a dark background. A soft, directional light brushes the right…

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Mary Anne Heide Norris (1830) de Thomas Sully
#17

Mary Anne Heide Norris

1830 · Philadelphia Museum of Art

Thomas Sully's "Mary Anne Heide Norris," painted in 1830, is more than just a likeness; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of wealth, status, and the idealized femininity prized…

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Thomas Ash II (1807) de Thomas Sully
#18

Thomas Ash II

1807 · National Portrait Gallery

This oil portrait, executed in 1807, presents a bust-length view of Thomas Ash II. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, facing toward the left while his gaze is…

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Lester Wallach (1820-1888) (1847) de Thomas Sully
#22

Lester Wallach (1820-1888)

1847 · Yale University Art Gallery

This small-scale portrait miniature presents a bust-length view of a young man, Lester Wallach, set within an oval frame. The subject is positioned centrally, facing the viewer with…

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John Vaughan (1819) de Thomas Sully
#23

John Vaughan

1819 · National Portrait Gallery

Thomas Sully rendered this oil on canvas portrait of John Vaughan between 1815 and 1823. The work captures the subject in a dignified, intimate bust-length composition, positioning him…

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Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1854) de Thomas Sully
#24

Thomas Heyward, Jr.

1854 · National Portrait Gallery

Thomas Sully presents a portrait of Thomas Heyward, Jr., executed about 1854. The work features a single male figure, rendered with the technical precision characteristic of the American…

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William Alston (1826) de Thomas Sully
#26

William Alston

1826 · Cincinnati Art Museum

Thomas Sully’s William Alston, Class of 1825 presents a formal portrait of a single male figure. The work, executed in oil, captures the likeness of Alston during a…

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Mischief (Girl's Head) (1866) de Thomas Sully
#27

Mischief (Girl's Head)

1866 · Reading Public Museum

Thomas Sully executed Mischief (Girl's Head) in 1866. This oil on canvas painting belongs to the artist's later period, capturing a specific moment of youthful curiosity through a…

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The Reverend George Houstoun Woodruff (1819) de Thomas Sully
#28

The Reverend George Houstoun Woodruff

1819 · High Museum of Art

In the quiet, commanding presence of Thomas Sully’s 1819 masterpiece, The Reverend George Houstoun Woodruff, one encounters more than a mere historical likeness; one meets a profound meditation…

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Self-Portrait (1850) de Thomas Sully
#63

Self-Portrait

1850 · National Gallery of Art

The gaze meets us directly in Self-Portrait, a work where the artist Thomas Sully turns his brush upon his own likeness. Created in 1850, this painting captures the…

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Major John Biddle (1818) de Thomas Sully
#74

Major John Biddle

1818 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

The gaze of Major John Biddle meets the viewer with a steady, unyielding weight. He sits encased in a black coat, the fabric absorbing the light, punctuated only…

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The David Children (1826) de Thomas Sully
#75

The David Children

1826 · National Gallery of Art

The David Children is a portrait painted by Thomas Sully in 1826. The canvas captures a mother and her young child, likely a boy, within a quiet domestic…

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Portrait of a Woman (1810) de Thomas Sully
#76

Portrait of a Woman

1810 · Reading Public Museum

This work is a Portrait of a Woman by the artist Thomas Sully. Executed in oil on canvas or panel, the piece belongs to the genre of portraiture,…

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James Pollard Espy (1849) de Thomas Sully
#79

James Pollard Espy

1849 · National Portrait Gallery

This 1849 oil on canvas presents a bust-length portrait of James Pollard Espy. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, facing towards the viewer's right while his gaze meets…

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Rosalie Spang (1848) de Thomas Sully
#81

Rosalie Spang

1848 · Carnegie Museum of Art

This oil on canvas portrait depicts Rosalie Spang. The work was executed by the artist Thomas Sully in 1848. The subject is presented in a formal manner, positioned…

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Rebecca Gratz (1831) de Thomas Sully
#82

Rebecca Gratz

1831

The Rebecca Gratz painting, created by Thomas Sully in 1831, is a captivating oil on panel portrait that showcases the artist's skill in capturing the essence of his…

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Musidora (1813) de Thomas Sully
#83

Musidora

1813 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

Thomas Sully’s “Musidora,” completed in 1813, is more than just a depiction of a nude figure; it's a carefully constructed moment of burgeoning romance, steeped in the sensibilities…

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The Student (1839) de Thomas Sully
#86

The Student

1839 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

Thomas Sully's "The Student," painted in 1839, is more than just a likeness; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of introspection and nascent artistic promise. This captivating portrait, rendered…

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Equestrian Portrait of George Washington (1842) de Thomas Sully
#87

Equestrian Portrait of George Washington

1842 · The Abraham Lincoln Foundation of The Union League of Philadelphia

Grand portrait of President George Washington (1732-1799), Commander-in-Chief to the Continental Army during the American Revolution and 1st President of the United States. General Washington is not depicted…

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Mrs. George Lingen (1842) de Thomas Sully
#88

Mrs. George Lingen

1842 · Art Institute of Chicago

In this 1842 portrait, we find ourselves in the presence of Mrs. George Lingen. There is a quiet confidence in her gaze, a subtle smile that suggests a…

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Governor Peyton Randolph (1806) de Thomas Sully
#91

Governor Peyton Randolph

1806 · Wilton House Museum

In the quiet, commanding presence of Thomas Sully’s 1806 portrait, Governor Peyton Randolph, one finds more than a mere likeness of a political figure; one encounters the very…

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Thomas Sully's paintings by period

The subjects Thomas Sully painted most

The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.

Where to see Thomas Sully's paintings

Cele 8 muzee care dețin cele mai multe dintre picturile de pe această pagină.

Muzeu Oraș Lucrări lui Thomas Sully Picturi din această listă
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkMetropolitan Museum of Art New York 23 George Washington, Child Asleep (The Rosebud), John Finley
National Gallery of Art, WashingtonNational Gallery of Art Washington 22 The Coleman Sisters, William B. Wood as "Charles de Moor", John Quincy Adams
National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.National Portrait Gallery Washington, D.C. 6 Thomas Sully, John Sergeant, Thomas Ash II
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, PhiladelphiaPennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Philadelphia 8 George Frederick Cooke as Richard III, Elizabeth Willing Jackson, Frances Anne Kemble as Beatrice
Muzeul de Artă Plastică din Boston, BostonMuzeul de Artă Plastică din Boston Boston 7 John Myers, Mrs. Joseph Rotch (Anne Smith), Victor René Value and His Daughter Charlotte
Yale University Art Gallery, New HavenYale University Art Gallery New Haven 4 Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786, Lester Wallach (1820-1888), Elizabeth Cook (Mrs. Benjamin Franklin Bache) as The Country Girl
Cincinnati Art Museum, CincinnatiCincinnati Art Museum Cincinnati 4 Portia, Merchant of Venice (Recto) / Sketch of a Woman's Head (Verso), William Alston
Muzeul de Artă Dallas, DallasMuzeul de Artă Dallas Dallas 3 Mary Harvey, Mrs. Paul Beck, Jr., Portrait of Mrs. George H. Crossman

Thomas Sully through the decades: one masterpiece for each

  1. 1800s
    Thomas Ash II (1807) de Thomas Sully
    #18 of 100

    Thomas Ash II

    Vârsta 17 – 26 · National Portrait Gallery

    This oil portrait, executed in 1807, presents a bust-length view of Thomas Ash II. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, facing toward the left while his gaze is…

  2. 1810s
    Dr. Edward Hudson (1810) de Thomas Sully
    #4 of 100

    Dr. Edward Hudson

    Vârsta 27 – 36 · Detroit Institute of Arts

    Thomas Sully’s “Mrs. Edward Hudson,” completed in 1814, stands as an emblem of the Victorian era's fascination with portraiture and its celebration of aristocratic status. More than just…

  3. 1820s
    Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786 (1823) de Thomas Sully
    Rank 2 / 100

    Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786

    Vârsta 37 – 46 · Yale University Art Gallery

    Thomas Jefferson steps from the shadows of a doorway into a soft, overcast light. He is captured in a moment of transition, moving toward an outdoor setting that…

  4. 1830s
  5. 1840s
    George Washington (1840) de Thomas Sully
    Rank 3 / 100

    George Washington

    Vârsta 57 – 66 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Thomas Sully rendered this portrait of George Washington in 1840. Executed in oil on canvas, the work captures the likeness of the American leader with a focus on…

  6. 1850s
    Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1854) de Thomas Sully
    No. 24 of 100

    Thomas Heyward, Jr.

    Vârsta 67 – 76 · National Portrait Gallery

    Thomas Sully presents a portrait of Thomas Heyward, Jr., executed about 1854. The work features a single male figure, rendered with the technical precision characteristic of the American…

  7. 1860s
    Mischief (Girl's Head) (1866) de Thomas Sully
    Rank 27 / 100

    Mischief (Girl's Head)

    Vârsta 77 – 86 · Reading Public Museum

    Thomas Sully executed Mischief (Girl's Head) in 1866. This oil on canvas painting belongs to the artist's later period, capturing a specific moment of youthful curiosity through a…

Thomas Sully's paintings: frequently asked questions

What is the most famous Thomas Sully painting?Show the answer

Queen Victoria (1838), Wallace Collection, Londra. Next come Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786 (1823) and George Washington (1840).

At what age did Thomas Sully paint Queen Victoria?Show the answer

55 years old: Queen Victoria dates from 1838 and Thomas Sully was born in 1783.

Which are the 10 most famous Thomas Sully paintings?Show the answer

Queen Victoria, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), LL.D. 1786, George Washington, Dr. Edward Hudson, Child Asleep (The Rosebud), The Coleman Sisters, William B. Wood as "Charles de Moor", Thomas Sully, Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis și Eliza Melville Young McAllister (Mrs. John McAllister, Jr.) (1790-1853). The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.

How many paintings by Thomas Sully are there?Show the answer

Our catalogue lists 437 works by Thomas Sully, dated from 1802 to 1866.

Where can I see the most famous Thomas Sully paintings?Show the answer

Most of them are in Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), National Gallery of Art (Washington) și National Portrait Gallery (Washington, D.C.). The table above lists the museums one by one.

In which period did Thomas Sully paint the best-known works?Show the answer

In 1810s: 25 of the 100 works on this page date from then, among them Dr. Edward Hudson.

What is the earliest famous Thomas Sully painting, and the latest?Show the answer

The earliest on this page is Mrs. Thomas Sully (Sarah Annis) (1802), the latest Mischief (Girl's Head) (1866).

What subjects did Thomas Sully paint?Show the answer

Man (18), Portrait (17) și Woman (10), among the 100 works on this page.

What did Thomas Sully paint on, and with what?Show the answer

Oil On Canvas: 32 of the 100 works on this page.

Which movement does Thomas Sully's art belong to?Show the answer

Romanticism și Neoclassicism, as the paintings on this page show.

What Thomas Sully paintings does the Metropolitan Museum of Art hold?Show the answer

George Washington, Child Asleep (The Rosebud) și John Finley are among the 11 works on this page held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Where can I buy a Thomas Sully reproduction?Show the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.

Thomas Sully: biography

A Transatlantic Brushstroke: The Life and Art of Thomas Sully

Thomas Sully’s story is one woven from threads of performance, migration, and artistic transformation – a journey that took him from the stages of Charleston to the hallowed halls of Philadelphia. Born in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England, in 1783, his early life was far removed from the world of portraiture he would ultimately dominate. His parents, Matthew and Sarah Chester Sully, were actors, and young Thomas spent his childhood traveling with them, experiencing the vibrant energy of theatrical productions across America. This immersion in performance—the study of expressions, gestures, and the ability to embody a character—laid the foundation for his keen eye for capturing human psychology within his paintings. It was a formative experience that instilled in him an understanding of how to convey emotion and personality through visual means – a skill he would later hone into a remarkable artistic style.

From Miniature to Monumental: Forging an American Style

Sully’s artistic development wasn't a sudden shift, but rather a gradual evolution shaped by diverse influences. Initially apprenticed to an insurance broker, his talent for detail and observation quickly became apparent. However, it was the guidance of Charles Fraser, a local artist, and later his brother-in-law Jean Belzons, that truly ignited his passion for miniature painting – a technique he mastered with remarkable precision. This early work provided him with invaluable skills in rendering delicate details, capturing textures, and working on a small scale—skills that would prove essential as he transitioned to larger-scale portraiture. Crucially, his time spent studying under Benjamin West in London from 1808 onward proved pivotal. While West was a celebrated figure in his own right, it was the influence of Thomas Lawrence – known for his elegant style, mastery of light and texture, and ability to capture both likeness and character – that profoundly shaped Sully’s artistic sensibilities. Returning to America imbued with this aesthetic, he earned the moniker “the Sir Thomas Lawrence of America,” a testament to the striking similarities between their styles. However, Sully didn't simply imitate; he adapted and refined these influences, forging a distinctly American style—a blend of European sophistication and a uniquely New World sensibility. His portraits weren’t merely representations of wealth or status; they were explorations of personality, imbued with psychological depth and emotional resonance.

Capturing the Essence: Portraits of Prominence

Sully's career flourished in Philadelphia, where he quickly established himself as one of the city’s leading portrait painters. He possessed a remarkable ability to capture not just physical likenesses but also the essence of his subjects—their personalities, their aspirations, and their social standing. His portraits adorned the homes of prominent figures from across Pennsylvania and Maryland: Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and countless other influential citizens. He wasn’t simply painting faces; he was creating lasting impressions, preserving the memories of an era through his art. The meticulous detail in his brushwork—the subtle shading, the delicate rendering of fabrics, the carefully observed expressions—all contributed to the captivating realism of his portraits. His ability to convey a sense of dignity and gravitas made him highly sought after by wealthy patrons eager to immortalize themselves and their families.

Beyond Likeness: Historical Narratives and Artistic Legacy

While celebrated for his portraits, Sully’s artistic ambition extended beyond capturing individual faces. He ventured into historical painting with works like *The Passage of the Delaware* (1819), a grand depiction of Washington's iconic crossing—a piece that demonstrated his ability to handle large-scale compositions and imbue them with dramatic power. This willingness to engage with historical narratives broadened his appeal and cemented his place in the American art world. His prolific output—over 2,000 paintings over seven decades—testifies to both his skill and his relentless dedication. He wasn’t merely a painter of the elite; he documented an era, preserving the faces and stories of a nation undergoing rapid transformation. Sully's influence extended beyond his own canvases. He was a dedicated teacher, mentoring numerous artists including Marcus Aurelius Root, who would later become a pioneer in photography.

A Patron of Culture: Music, Society, and Enduring Influence

Sully’s contributions weren’t limited to the visual arts. As a founding member of Philadelphia's Musical Fund Society, he demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering cultural life within his community. This involvement speaks to a broader artistic sensibility – an understanding that art in all its forms enriches society and elevates the human spirit. His work was even adapted for use on United States coinage, further solidifying his place in the national consciousness. Though Romanticism and Neoclassicism were dominant movements during his lifetime, Sully’s style transcended easy categorization. He skillfully blended elements of both, creating a unique aesthetic that prioritized emotional depth, technical precision, and psychological insight. Today, Thomas Sully's paintings hang in prestigious museums across the country, continuing to captivate audiences with their beauty, elegance, and enduring power. His legacy remains as a testament to the transformative potential of art and the enduring allure of the human face.

Toate cele 437 de lucrări ale lui Thomas Sully →