LAWRENCE SULLY (IRELAND / VIRGINIA, 1769-1803) MINIATURE PORTRAIT OF A MAN, watercolor, signed and dated at right edge. Housed in likely original gilt-metal frame with watercolor mourning scene verso. Dated 1792. 2" x 1 1/2" OA.
Catalogue Note: Born in Ireland, Lawrence Sully (1769-1803) immigrated with his family to the United States in 1792, establishing himself in the nascent, growing city of Richmond. The elder brother of fellow portraitist, Thomas Sully (1783-1872), the two worked in Richmond and Norfolk through the end of the 18th century, until Lawrence was mortally wounded in a brawl in 1803. Thomas later married his brother's widow and provided for his children.
Good overall original condition with crack running vertically through center, minor areas of discoloration. Mourning scene heavily worn with scattered cracks. Not examined out of frame.