Mother and Son

Thomas Sully

Created:
Movement:
1840
Romanticism
key Notes:
Tender maternal bond, Romantic portraiture
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Dimensions:
57 x 45 3/8 in. (144.8 x 115.3 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mother and Son," painted by Thomas Sully in 1840, depicts a tender moment between a mother and her child, showcasing Sully's skill in capturing emotional intimacy and the bond of family. The work is notable for its romanticized portrayal of motherhood, reflecting the 19th-century ideals of maternal affection and domesticity prevalent in American art of the period.

Description of the work:

"Mother and Son," painted by Thomas Sully in 1840, features a tender portrayal of a mother and her child, characterized by soft, naturalistic colors and delicate brushwork that enhance the emotional connection between the figures. The composition is marked by a harmonious balance, with the mother’s gentle gaze directed towards her son, who is depicted with an expression of innocence and curiosity, set against a subtly rendered background that emphasizes their intimate bond.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mother and Son