Joseph Henry Sharp
NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF ART
Three paintings by founding member of the Taos Society of Artists Joseph Henry Sharp have been donated to the New Mexico Museum of Art.the donation comes from Lore Thorpe, daughter-in-law of Kathryn V.thorpe, who owned and managed Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge from the late 1920s through the mid 1950s. Kathryn Thorpe bought the paintings directly from Sharp and helped Sharp sell his other paintings at the lodge.
One of the earliest European American artists to visit Taos, Sharp was best known for his portrayal of Native Americans, though he has a significant body of still life works.the three paintings donated by Thorpe include two floral works, Dry Flowers and Marigold-calendula, and a landscape titled Taos Cañon.
Museum director Mary Kershaw says, “The Museum of Art currently holds 16 works by Sharp in its permanent collection, but these are the first two flower paintings and they are gorgeous.we are grateful for this significant donation to the museum from the Thorpe family and proud to supplement our collection of works from the man considered the ‘spiritual father’ of the [Taos Society of Artists].”
Lore Thorpe adds,“i’m very happy these beautiful paintings are going to be in a place where they will be honored and respected and that the public is going to be able to see these paintings because they are truly exceptional.”