Joseph Henry Sharp

Joseph Henry Sharp (1859–1953), American, Joseph Henry Sharp, an American painter born on September 27, 1859, in Bridgeport, Ohio, to Irish immigrant parents, emerged as a pivotal figure in the portrayal of American Indian life and Western landscapes. His early fascination with American Indians and a tragic swimming accident that left him deaf shaped his unique perspective and resilience. Despite these challenges, Sharp's artistic journey began in earnest after moving to Cincinnati, where he pursued his passion for art amidst personal and financial hardships. Sharp's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Taos Society of Artists, earning him the title of its 'Spiritual Father.' His 1893 visit to Taos, New Mexico, with artist John Hauser marked the beginning of his profound connection with the region and its indigenous cultures. Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt to paint portraits of Native American warriors who survived the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Sharp's work gained national recognition. His dedication to capturing the essence of American Indian life was further solidified by his residence on the Crow Agency land in Montana, where he established Absarokee Hut in 1905. A significant turning point in his career came with the sale of 80 paintings to Phoebe Hearst, enabling him to devote himself fully to painting. In 1909, Sharp acquired a former chapel in Taos for his studio, near fellow artist E. Irving Couse's home, and by 1912, he and his wife made Taos their permanent home. Sharp's contributions to art and his preservation of Native American culture are immortalized in the Eanger Irving Couse House and Studio—Joseph Henry Sharp Studios, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sharp passed away on August 29, 1953, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire.