Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Joseph Henry Sharp died in 1953; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2023.
In context
Wolf Ear — Joseph Henry Sharp
The original measures 46 × 31 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Shaded: the lifetime of Joseph Henry Sharp (1859–1953) ▲ this work, 1900
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Espresso #452217
Catalogued palette
About this artwork
Wolf Ear — Joseph Henry Sharp
The painting Wolf Ear by Joseph Henry Sharp is a remarkable example of the artist's ability to capture the essence and spirit of Native American culture. Created in 1900, this oil on canvas piece measures 46 x 31 cm and is currently housed at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Joseph Henry Sharp was an American painter and a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, of which he is considered the 'Spiritual Father'. He painted American Indian portraits and cultural life, as well as Western landscapes. His favorite subject was the Indian and his fast-disappearing lifestyle.
The painting Wolf Ear depicts a Native American man with long hair and a beard, wearing a feather in his hair and a necklace around his neck. The man has a stern look on his face as he stares into the distance. This portrait is one of many that Joseph Henry Sharp created during his time spent with Native American tribes.
The painting Wolf Ear is not only a beautiful work of art but also an important piece of history. It provides a glimpse into the life and culture of Native Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As stated on AllPaintingsStore.com, this painting is a significant example of Joseph Henry Sharp's work and his ability to capture the essence of Native American culture.
The painting measures 46 x 31 cm and is an oil on canvas.
It is currently housed at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Joseph Henry Sharp was a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists.
AllPaintingsStore.com offers handmade oil painting reproductions of Wolf Ear by Joseph Henry Sharp. For more information on this painting and other works by Joseph Henry Sharp, visit AllPaintingsStore.com. You can also learn more about the artist's life and work on Wikipedia.
The painting Wolf Ear is a significant example of Joseph Henry Sharp's ability to capture the essence and spirit of Native American culture. Its importance lies not only in its beauty but also in its historical significance, providing a glimpse into the life and culture of Native Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Artist and museum
Born in Bridgeport, United States of America
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Look closely
Wolf Ear — Joseph Henry Sharp
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