Portrait of a Peasant Woman 1857

Thomas Sully painted this “Portrait of a Peasant Woman” during a time when ideas about class and beauty were undergoing significant change. Looking at this painting, you might wonder about the identity of the young woman. Sully, an established portrait painter, gives us a romanticized view of peasant life. In this period, the upper classes often had idealized notions about the working class, viewing them as simple and pure. The woman’s soft features and delicate jewelry contrast with the harsh realities of peasant life. The redness of her cheeks and lips may be a sign of health, or perhaps suggestive of her virtue. It’s a painting that invites us to consider how class, gender, and beauty intersect. Does Sully’s portrait perpetuate stereotypes, or does it offer a nuanced perspective? It encourages us to think about the people behind the art and question the stories we tell ourselves about others.