Sully, << SUHL ee, >> Thomas (1783-1872), an American painter, was noted for his elegant portraits. Sully portrayed women in refined poses and fashionable costumes and with beautiful complexions. He painted elegant but sturdier portraits of men.
Sully was born in Horncastle, England, and moved to America when he was 9. He began studying painting when he was about 12. In 1808, Sully settled in Philadelphia, where he soon became the leading portrait painter. He visited London in 1809 and 1810, and met the painters Benjamin West and Sir Thomas Lawrence, who greatly influenced his style.
