Raising of Lazarus (from Sketchbook)

Thomas Sully

1810–20 · Ink, wash, on paper · The American Wing

In 1809, the prolific Sully traveled to London and entered the teaching studio of Benjamin West (1738–1820), who also introduced him to other significant artists, including Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769–1830). In London, Sully developed his enthusiasm for drawing, using it to make preparatory studies for his portraits, record ideas, and copy works by other artists. This sheet belongs to a sketchbook that Sully used after his return to the United States. His many copies after prints by European masters suggest that he was determined to continue his artistic training on his own. Here, the main figures were made after reproductions of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling: Adam from the Creation of Adam (above) and sleeping Adam from the Creation of Eve.

Artist

Thomas Sully

Date

1810–20

Medium

Ink, wash, on paper

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Rogers fund, 1953