Related Artworks

Artist Biography

Early Life and Background

Born: September 27, 1859, Bridgeport, Ohio
Died: August 29, 1953
Parents: Irish immigrant parents; father was a merchant.
Early Fascination: Developed a strong interest in American Indians from a young age.
Hearing Loss: Nearly drowned as a boy, resulting in permanent hearing loss which significantly impacted his education and communication. He learned to read lips and carried a writing pad.
Early Work: Worked in a nail factory at the age of 12 to support his family after his father's death.

Education and Artistic Training

McMicken School of Design, Cincinnati: Briefly attended before financial constraints forced him to leave school.
European Studies (1881-1886): Traveled to Europe where he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Return to Cincinnati & Mentorship: Returned to Cincinnati and worked alongside Henry Farny, though Farny discouraged painting Native Americans.
Royal Academy of Munich: Studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Munich) and later with Frank Duveneck in Italy.
Académie Julian, Paris: Furthered his studies at the Académie Julian in Paris, influenced by Barbizon painters and Impressionists.

Artistic Style and Subject Matter

Realism & Portraiture: Known for realistic portrayals of American Indians, focusing on their cultural life and individual characteristics.
Influences: Influenced by the Barbizon school and Impressionism, evident in his use of light and shadow and broad brushstrokes.
Key Subjects: Primarily painted portraits of Native American warriors, chiefs, and everyday people, as well as Western landscapes.
Commissioned Work: Received a significant commission from President Theodore Roosevelt to paint 200 portraits of Native American warriors who survived the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Absarokee Hut: Built a cabin (Absarokee Hut) on Crow Agency land in Montana, allowing him extended time to study and depict Native American life.

Major Achievements and Recognition

Taos Society of Artists Founding Member: A founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, considered its "spiritual father."
Smithsonian Institution Acquisition: The Smithsonian Institution purchased eleven of his portraits in 1901.
Phoebe Hearst Patronage: Received significant support from Phoebe Hearst, who acquired over 150 of his works.
Thomas Gilcrease Collection: A large portion of his work and personal collection were purchased by Thomas Gilcrease, now housed at the Gilcrease Institute.
Recognition for Ethnographic Value: Recognized by curator W.H. Holmes for the accuracy with which he portrayed Native American physiognomy and costumes.

Historical Significance

Documenting Native American Culture: Sharp's work provides valuable documentation of Native American life during a period of significant cultural change and displacement.
Early Western Artist in Taos: One of the earliest European-American artists to establish a presence in Taos, New Mexico, contributing to its artistic development.
Influence on Southwestern Art: His focus on Native American subjects helped shape the direction of Southwestern art and influenced subsequent generations of artists.
Preservation of Portraiture: Created a significant body of portraiture that captures the likenesses and dignity of individuals from various Native American tribes, preserving their memory for posterity.

Joseph Henry Sharp

1859 - 1953 , United States of America

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Realism
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Frank Duveneck']
Date Of Birth: September 27, 1859
Date Of Death: August 29, 1953
Full Name: Joseph Henry Sharp
Nationality: American
Notable Artworks:
- Apache Camp in Hondo Cañon
- Blackfoot Girl
- Chief Spotted Elk
- Quinnah
- Chief American Horse
Place Of Birth: Bridgeport, Ohio

Paul Nash: Modernism, Myth & the British Landscape – A Visionary Artist

Explore the evocative landscapes & poignant war art of Paul Nash (1889-1946), a key figure in British Modernism. Discover his unique style and lasting impact on art history with WahooArt.

Explore Article read article

Edward Wilkins Waite: A Victorian Vision of Surrey's Serene Landscapes & Artistic Legacy

Explore the serene landscapes of Edward Wilkins Waite (1854-1924), a prolific Victorian painter celebrated for his depictions of Surrey's countryside. Discover his artistic influences, career highlights & collecting guide.

Explore Article read article

Alfred Jacob Miller: Chronicling the American West Through Artistic Observation & Narrative

Explore the captivating art of Alfred Jacob Miller, chronicler of the American West. Discover his iconic paintings, techniques & lasting legacy – a valuable addition to any serious collection. Learn more at WahooArt.

Explore Article read article

Henry Farny: Romantic Visions of the American West & Indigenous Life

Explore the evocative paintings of Henry Farny, renowned for his romantic realism & depictions of Native American life in the 19th-century West. Discover his legacy and key artworks at WahooArt.

Explore Article read article

Joseph Henry Sharp: Capturing the Spirit of the Plains – Life, Art & Legacy

Explore the life & art of Joseph Henry Sharp, a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists renowned for his realistic depictions of Native American culture and Western landscapes. Discover his legacy with WahooArt.

Explore Article read article

Joseph Henry Sharp: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

-

Related Artworks