George Washington Sully Paintings

George Washington Sully was an American artist known for his portraiture and his association with the mid-19th century artistic movement in the United States. He was born in 1815 into a family that was well acquainted with the arts. His father, Thomas Sully, was a prominent portrait painter who had a significant influence on George's career and artistic development.

Although not as widely recognized as his father, George Washington Sully pursued art from a young age, apprenticing under his father and learning the techniques and styles of portraiture that were popular at the time. His father’s connections and reputation provided him with opportunities to study and work with other established artists, which helped him refine his skills.

George Washington Sully's work was influenced by the Romantic style, and he was known for capturing the character and personality of his subjects. He worked primarily in oil paints and was skilled in achieving a lifelike representation with a particular emphasis on the subtleties of facial expression. His portraits were often noted for their elegance and grace, characteristic of the era's genteel society portraiture.

Despite his talent, George Washington Sully did not achieve the same level of fame as his father. His career was somewhat overshadowed by Thomas Sully's success, and as such, information about his life and work is less readily available. Nonetheless, he contributed to the American art scene of his time and his works are a part of the historical record of American portraiture. George Washington Sully continued to paint throughout his life and passed away in 1878.