James Sharples was an English portrait painter who was active in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born in Lancashire, England, in 1751 and showed an early talent for art. Sharples focused on pastel portraits and was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the character of his sitters. He married Ellen Wallace, who was also an accomplished artist, and together they had several children who were also trained in the arts.
Sharples moved to the United States in 1794, during the time when the new republic was rapidly growing and there was a demand for portraiture among its leading citizens. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, including a stay in Philadelphia, which was then the nation's capital. During this period, Sharples painted portraits of many prominent Americans, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, among others. His work was highly regarded, and he quickly gained a reputation for his realistic and unflattering portrayals.
The artist's method involved creating a 'Sharples Profile,' a detailed sketch of his subject's face from the side. These profiles were then often colored in pastel, a medium in which Sharples excelled. His portraits are characterized by their vibrant colors and clarity, and they provide an important record of the notable figures of his time.
Unfortunately, details of James Sharples' life are not as well-documented as those of some of his contemporaries, and much of what is known about him comes from the work he left behind. He continued to work and travel with his family until his death in 1811. After his death, his wife Ellen and their children continued his legacy, with the family producing copies of his work and portraits in his style. Today, James Sharples' original portraits are included in the collections of several prominent museums and are studied for their historical significance as well as their artistic merit.
