Eagle and Lady (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Thomas Sully made this pen and ink sketch, "Eagle and Lady," sometime during his career, though the exact date remains unknown. Sully, born in England but active in the United States, lived during a time of significant nation-building, and like many artists, he explored themes of national identity through his work. Here, the imposing eagle, a potent symbol of American power and freedom, is juxtaposed with the figure of a woman. We might ask how gender is being mobilized here. Is she a personification of liberty, or perhaps an allegorical figure representing the American nation? Sully leaves these questions unanswered. Instead, he presents us with a suggestive pairing that invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between power, gender, and national identity. This piece, though a sketch, offers a glimpse into the visual language through which Americans understood themselves during a formative period. It prompts us to reflect on the evolving nature of these symbols and their resonance today.