Joseph Henry Sharp (American, 1859-1953). Hudson River and Warships, USS Connecticut, 1909. Oil on canvas. 20 x 30 inche...

Description

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 technological advancement, ordered by Roosevelt, served not only to showcase the United States' maritime capabilities but also to foster goodwill and assert strategic presence in key international waters.

The voyage of the USS Connecticut and the Great White Fleet marked a significant moment in naval history, symbolizing the United States' transition into a major world power and its commitment to maintaining a dominant and forward-looking naval force. This endeavor effectively communicated the country's readiness for diplomacy and, if necessary, conflict resolution, leveraging maritime power as a tool for international policy and peacekeeping.

In the spring of 1951, Mr. and Mrs. William D. Moorer of Tulsa, Oklahoma, traveled to Taos looking for paintings for their home in Tulsa. They knew of Sharp's work and hoped they could meet him and acquire a special piece. As they navigated through rooms stacked with numerous paintings at Sharp's house, Hudson River and Warships (USS Connecticut) immediately caught the attention of Mr. Moorer. He was a graduate of the US Naval Academy class of 1922 who served on two summer cruises aboard the USS Kentucky as a member of the men who stoked the coal in the boilers, and he felt a tremendous connection to the painting of the historically important battleship. He instantly offered to purchase the painting, but Sharp declined, informing him that the painting was much too sentimental for him to sell.

After returning to Tulsa, Mrs. Moorer wrote to the Sharps and explained that she wanted to give her husband the Hudson River and Warships (USS Connecticut) for their 25th wedding anniversary (in 1952). Sharp reconsidered her offer and agreed to sell it to help them celebrate their special occasion. The Moorers and Sharps continued their friendship through numerous written correspondences. These letters are included with this lot.


More information about Joseph Henry Sharp. See also: Sharp, Joseph Henry, Sharp, J. H. Artist.

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