Theartful. The legendary.
TAOS’ MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC HOMES
Taos has no shortage of colorful and influential characters who have made their mark not only on Northern New Mexico but around the world.
One such early Taos mover and shaker was Taos Society of Artists member Joseph Henry “J.H.” Sharp, who became known for his paintings of Native Americans. Strikes His Enemy Pretty (Crow), a model for and good friend of Sharp, gave his hat to the artist. It hung on the wall in Sharp’s Taos studio until Sharp sold this portrait along with the hat to Peter Mcelvain (the lender’s, Tim Mcelvain, father), a regular visitor to the studio in the late 1940s. Between 1900 and 1936, Sharp painted Strikes His Enemy Pretty 26 times. He was a member of the agency police and a judge for his people in the late 1890s. Sharp said he was “a fine type, a great man and favorite model.” If you’re an art and history hound, then be sure to explore the Couse-sharp Historic Site and the other interesting places that helped solidify Taos as an art colony and a major player in frontier trading.