| 641. Joseph Henry Sharp (American, 1859-1953), "Little Big Horn, Indian Encampment, Montana", c.1910; oil/canvas, 12" x
18", signed. Highly important western painter. Sharp studied at the Cincinnati Art Academy and in Europe. He had a studio in the
same building in Cincinnati as Henry Farny, and Farny discouraged him in his desire to travel west and paint, because of the
hardships and dangers involved, but he paid no heed and left for Santa Fe in 1883. Cincinnati remained his home base, while he made
two trips to Europe from 1886-1899, and also began to travel to New Mexico regularly beginning in 1893. Sharp first visited
Montana in 1899, but from 1908-1912, he considered himself to be a resident of that state. William Gerdts discusses Sharp's
inspiration regarding his paintings done in Montana: "He was undoubtedly more moved by the romantic aura surrounding the
disappearing northern tribes and their austere lives". Sharp eventually settled in Taos, and is considered to be the founder of the Taos Society
of Artists, formed in 1915. 200,000-300,000 |
