Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.P.51 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Portrait of Benjamin Rush |
Artist |
Sully, Thomas |
Date |
1800-20 |
Description |
Three-quarter length portrait of a seated figure with body turned to his left, in front of an unfinished brown and tan background. The figure rests his head in his left hand and his right hand holds the pages of an open book amongst other papers on a dark table. He has white, receding hair, brown eyes and eyebrows, and a rosy complexion. He wears a black coat with a white collar and bow, open at the throat. A pair of spectacles rests atop his head. The figure is seated in a wooden armchair with a low back, and in the lower left corner, against the chair, are three books and a portfolio, resting on a small table. Unsigned and undated. |
Label |
Philadelphian Benjamin Rush was a celebrated early American physician, chemist, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. This portrait by Thomas Sully was discovered in the APS Library in 1899, rolled up among old papers. As Sully painted several portraits of Rush, this unfinished canvas may be an early study that the artist left behind after vacating his studio in Philosophical Hall in 1822. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-61 W-51 inches |
Dimension Details |
Framed |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century physician painting scientist |