Joseph Henry Sharp (1859-1953), Hudson River and Warships, USS Connecticut (1909)
Joseph Henry Sharp (American, 1859-1953) Hudson River and Warships, USS Connecticut, 1909 Oil on canvas 20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2 cm) Signed and dated lower right: J.H. Sharp / Dec. / 1909 Inscribed on the stretcher: Winter, Hudson River PROVENANCE: The artist; Mr. & Mrs. William D. Moorer, Tulsa, Oklahoma, acquired from the above, 1952; Private collection, Allen, Texas, by descent from the above. EXHIBITED: [Possibly] National Academy of Design, New York, 1910 (as The Hudson River at 79th Street: Flagship "Connecticut"); [Possibly] Carnegie Institute, New York, 1911 (as The Hudson River: 79th and Riverside Drive); Art Museum, Eden Park, Cincinnati, Ohio, "16th Annual Society of Western Artists," December 2-24, 1911, #115 (as Hudson River and War Ships); California Art Club, Los Angeles, California, circa 1911-13. LITERATURE: Cincinnati Times Star, "In Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibit Just Opened," Cincinnati, Ohio, December 6, 1911, p. 12, illustrated. Joseph Henry Sharp's legacy extends beyond his canvases; he played a crucial role in preserving a vital part of American heritage, influencing generations of artists with his passion for the natural world and the diverse cultures within it. Through his art, Sharp provided a window into a world on the cusp of change, making him a vital figure in both the artistic and cultural history of the United States. Born in 1859 in Bridgeport, Ohio, Sharp was a pivotal figure in the American art scene, best known for his profound contributions to the Taos Society of Artists and his dedication to capturing the lives and landscapes of the American West. Regarded as the "father of the Taos Art Colony," Sharp's fascination with Native American culture and the untamed beauty of the western landscape fueled his artistic journey. His work is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, vibrant use of color, and empathetic portrayal of Indigenous peoples, capturing moments of daily life, ceremonial scenes, and the serene majesty of the West. And while his immersive portrayals of Native Americans sensitively captured a vanishing way of life, works like Hudson River and Warships (USS Connecticut) highlight the growing power of the US military and technical advancement. Hudson River and Warships (USS Connecticut) is a large-scale, fresh-to-market depiction of the USS Connecticut battleship, moored in the Hudson River off the 72nd Street pier in New York City in December 1909, that has been in the same family since they purchased it from Sharp directly. Most commonly known for his depictions of Native American life in New Mexico, Sharp's Hudson River paintings are rare and very few. After having a piece of coal lodged into his eye, Sharp headed to New York for treatment of his injury. While he was there, he stayed at his sister's apartment, which had a view of the Hudson River from Riverside Drive. Upon the removal of his bandages and with a fear of not seeing color accurately after his accident, Sharp rendered these Hudson River paintings, realizing and feeling relieved that his sight was back to normal. This painting was deemed "special" to Sharp as it proved he could continue to see the vibrant colors and magnificent details of the American landscape. Sharp and President Theodore Roosevelt had a relationship that stemmed from Roosevelt's appreciation of Sharp's artwork. Their professional and artistic connection highlights the intersections of art, politics, and culture in early 20th-century America. In the years 1907 to 1909, the USS Connecticut played a pivotal role as the flagship of the United States Navy's Great White Fleet, underscoring America's emergent naval prowess and global reach. Commissioned in 1906, it was at the forefront of an impressive 16-battleship squadron that embarked on a historic 14-month circumnavigation of the globe. the USS Connecticut stood as a monumental embodiment of President Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy, epitomizing the strategic blend of statesmanship with a formidable display of military might. This unprecedented display of naval strength and te
Condition Report: Unlined canvas. Under UV exam, there does not appear to be inpaint. Minor frame abrasion along the right edge. Scattered craquelure with accompanying cupping in areas. Varnish has yellowed, however there is an area that has been previously test cleaned that appears to be vibrant. Painting will brighten with a light cleaning. Framed Dimensions 27.25 X 37.25 Inches
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Joseph Henry Sharp (American, 1859-1953) Hudson River and Warships, USS Connecticut, 1909 Oil on canvas 20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2 cm) Signed and dated lower right: J.H. Sharp / Dec. / 1909 Inscribed on the stretcher: Winter, Hudson River PROVENANCE: The artist; Mr. & Mrs. William D. Moorer, Tulsa, Oklahoma, acquired from the above, 1952; Private collection, Allen, Texas, by descent from the above. EXHIBITED: [Possibly] National Academy of Design, New York, 1910 (as The Hudson River at 79th Street: Flagship "Connecticut"); [Possibly] Carnegie Institute, New York, 1911 (as The Hudson River: 79th and Riverside Drive); Art Museum, Eden Park, Cincinnati, Ohio, "16th Annual Society of Western Artists," December 2-24, 1911, #115 (as Hudson River and War Ships); California Art Club, Los Angeles, California, circa 1911-13. LITERATURE: Cincinnati Times Star, "In Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibit Just Opened," Cincinnati, Ohio, December 6, 1911, p. 12, illustrated. Joseph Henry Sharp's legacy extends beyond his canvases; he played a crucial role in preserving a vital part of American heritage, influencing generations of artists with his passion for the natural world and the diverse cultures within it. Through his art, Sharp provided a window into a world on the cusp of change, making him a vital figure in both the artistic and cultural history of the United States. Born in 1859 in Bridgeport, Ohio, Sharp was a pivotal figure in the American art scene, best known for his profound contributions to the Taos Society of Artists and his dedication to capturing the lives and landscapes of the American West. Regarded as the "father of the Taos Art Colony," Sharp's fascination with Native American culture and the untamed beauty of the western landscape fueled his artistic journey. His work is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, vibrant use of color, and empathetic portrayal of Indigenous peoples, capturing moments of daily life, ceremonial scenes, and the serene majesty of the West. And while his immersive portrayals of Native Americans sensitively captured a vanishing way of life, works like Hudson River and Warships (USS Connecticut) highlight the growing power of the US military and technical advancement. Hudson River and Warships (USS Connecticut) is a large-scale, fresh-to-market depiction of the USS Connecticut battleship, moored in the Hudson River off the 72nd Street pier in New York City in December 1909, that has been in the same family since they purchased it from Sharp directly. Most commonly known for his depictions of Native American life in New Mexico, Sharp's Hudson River paintings are rare and very few. After having a piece of coal lodged into his eye, Sharp headed to New York for treatment of his injury. While he was there, he stayed at his sister's apartment, which had a view of the Hudson River from Riverside Drive. Upon the removal of his bandages and with a fear of not seeing color accurately after his accident, Sharp rendered these Hudson River paintings, realizing and feeling relieved that his sight was back to normal. This painting was deemed "special" to Sharp as it proved he could continue to see the vibrant colors and magnificent details of the American landscape. Sharp and President Theodore Roosevelt had a relationship that stemmed from Roosevelt's appreciation of Sharp's artwork. Their professional and artistic connection highlights the intersections of art, politics, and culture in early 20th-century America. In the years 1907 to 1909, the USS Connecticut played a pivotal role as the flagship of the United States Navy's Great White Fleet, underscoring America's emergent naval prowess and global reach. Commissioned in 1906, it was at the forefront of an impressive 16-battleship squadron that embarked on a historic 14-month circumnavigation of the globe. the USS Connecticut stood as a monumental embodiment of President Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy, epitomizing the strategic blend of statesmanship with a formidable display of military might. This unprecedented display of naval strength and te
Condition Report: Unlined canvas. Under UV exam, there does not appear to be inpaint. Minor frame abrasion along the right edge. Scattered craquelure with accompanying cupping in areas. Varnish has yellowed, however there is an area that has been previously test cleaned that appears to be vibrant. Painting will brighten with a light cleaning. Framed Dimensions 27.25 X 37.25 Inches
