Study for "The Great Seal of the State of Delaware"

Thomas Sully

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two full-length figures in front of an ornate emblem resembling a coat of arms. The person on the left is standing upright, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a blue vest over a cream-colored shirt, and light-colored pants. They are holding a tool, perhaps a shovel or a spade, which is resting on the ground. The person on the right wears a hat with a distinctive shape, adorned with small feathers, a dark coat with red trim, and coordinating pants. They are holding a staff or spear upright. Between the two figures is an ornate emblem with a large scroll-like structure at its lower portion, upon which a small horse or goat is depicted. Above this, a man stands holding a model of a ship with billowing sails. The background features a pale blue and beige sky-like backdrop, and the entire scene is encircled within a roundel, with text partially visible below the figures.