Edward Sharpe, Portrait of a Seated Male Nude, Signed by Sir John Everett Millais - Antique Drawing

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

In March 1867, the talented Edward Sharpe entered an art competition with this evocative portrait of a seated male nude. It’s rendered with sensitivity and seems to ask more questions than it answers. Truly an exquisite piece.

The competition was judged by Sir John Everett Millais (1829-1896), one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who awarded Sharpe first prize. As a result, Millais signed the drawing in the lower left - with Edward’s signature being in the right.

We’ve tried to track down further information regarding Edward Sharpe’s artistic career but no further information is readily available. Intriguing, there was an Edward Sharpe living in Nottinghamshire at the time that became an ‘artistic signwriter’ so this remains our best plausible lead. Edward would’ve been 19 at the time of the competition.

The portrait is double signed and housed within a frame that’s possibly its original.

Medium: Crayon on paper

Overall size: 26” x 22” / 66cm x 56cm

Year of creation: 1867

Provenance: England

Condition: Areas of foxing. Two small tears around the edge. Frame with some light age-related wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

56cm (22.05")

Width

66cm (25.98")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA848224

Description

“

The competition was judged by Sir John Everett Millais (1829-1896), one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who awarded Sharpe first prize.

Brave Fine Art

As a result, Millais signed the drawing in the lower left - with Edward’s signature being in the right.

fig 1. Edward Sharpe, Portrait Of A Seated Male Nude, Signed By Sir John Everett Millais - Antique Drawing — fig 1. Edward Sharpe, Portrait of a Seated Male Nude, Signed by Sir John Everett Millais - Antique Drawing

We’ve tried to track down further information regarding Edward Sharpe’s artistic career but no further information is readily available. Intriguing, there was an Edward Sharpe living in Nottinghamshire at the time that became an ‘artistic signwriter’ so this remains our best plausible lead. Edward would’ve been 19 at the time of the competition.