Mrs. John Biddle (Eliza Falconer Bradish)

Thomas Sully

Created:
Movement:
1818
Romanticism
key Notes:
Elegant portraiture, Regency fashion
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Dimensions:
30 x 24 7/8 in. (76.2 x 63.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. John Biddle (Eliza Falconer Bradish)" is a portrait painted by American artist Thomas Sully in 1818. The subject, Eliza Falconer Bradish, was the wife of John Biddle, a prominent Philadelphia merchant. Sully was known for his ability to capture the character and personality of his subjects, and this work exemplifies his skill in portraiture. The painting is characterized by its soft brushwork and the use of light to enhance the sitter's features. Eliza is depicted in a white gown with a blue sash, which was a fashionable style of the time. The background features a draped curtain, adding depth and context to the composition. The painting is part of the collection at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Specific details about the commission or the circumstances surrounding its creation are unknown.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. John Biddle (Eliza Falconer Bradish)" by Thomas Sully, created in 1818, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the subject in a three-quarter pose. The painting features Eliza Falconer Bradish dressed in a white gown with delicate lace details, which contrasts with the dark background. Her hair is styled in soft waves, adorned with a simple headpiece, enhancing her graceful appearance. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, highlighting her facial features and the texture of her clothing. Sully's brushwork is refined, contributing to the overall elegance of the composition. The portrait reflects the neoclassical influence prevalent in early 19th-century American portraiture, emphasizing both the subject's beauty and social status. The color palette is predominantly soft and muted, with subtle variations that add to the painting's sophistication. The work exemplifies Sully's skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mrs. John Biddle (Eliza Falconer Bradish)