Portrait of Mary Anne Heide Norris
Companion to Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1960-78-1
Thomas Sully, American (born England), 1783 - 1872
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
1830Medium:
Oil on canvasDimensions:
30 5/16 x 25 1/4 inches (77 x 64.1 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
1960-78-2Credit Line:
Bequest of G. Heide Norris, 1960
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
1830Medium:
Oil on canvasDimensions:
30 5/16 x 25 1/4 inches (77 x 64.1 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1960-78-2Credit Line:
Bequest of G. Heide Norris, 1960
Thomas Sully painted this portrait of Mary Anne Heide Norris along with a pendant portrait of her husband, William, five years after their marriage. Mrs. Norris's idealized likeness demonstrates the artist's interest in varying textures, as seen in the contrasts among her satin dress, fur stole, and porcelain skin. Set in a landscape with a dramatic sky, Mrs. Norris is sheltered by a high wall that harmoniously echoes the curvature of her figure and clothing.
