National Anthropological Archives

Photographs of Ellen Sharples' painting of an American Indian, circa 1808

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.PhotoLot.R81D
Creators:
Sharples, Ellen, 1769-1849
Dates:
circa 1808
Languages:
Undetermined
.
Physical Description:
1 Color slide
1 Copy print
Repository:

Scope and Contents note

Scope and Contents note
Photograph of artist Ellen Sharples' miniature painting of an American Indian man. The man is depicted holding a flintlock rifle, and wearing a tomahawk tucked into his belt and silver trade crosses as ear ornamentation. This may be the "copy of the Indian chief" painting referenced by Sharples in her diary in January 1808.

Biographical/Historical note

Biographical/Historical note
Ellen Sharples (1769-1849) was a student and wife of portrait painter James Sharples. They owned a successful studio in Washington, DC, where James painted portraits of well-known Americans and Ellen copied portraits for commission and painted miniatures on ivory.

Administration

Author
Sarah Ganderup
Existence and Location of Originals note
Original painting is held by Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol, England.
Custodial History note
Photographs obtained by Frank H. H. Roberts of the Bureau of American Ethnology as an example of an American Indian wearing silver trade crosses. Copied and donated by Mr. Arnold Wilson of the City Art Gallery of Bristol, 1963.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Conditions Governing Use note
This copy collection has been obtained for reference purposes. Copies may be obtained from the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
Preferred Citation note
Photo lot R81D, Photographs of Ellen Sharples painting of an American Indian, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution

Location of Other Archival Materials

Location of Other Archival Materials
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery hold a pastel drawing by Ellen Sharples.

More Information

Local Call Number(s)

Local Call Number(s)
NAA Photo Lot R81D


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Indians of North America Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Silver Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

National Anthropological Archives
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Suitland, Maryland 20746
naa@si.edu