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 some details regarding Edward Sharpe’s artistic career but no further information is readily available. Intriguingly, there was an Edward Sharpe living in Nottinghamshire in 1867 that became an ‘artistic signwriter’ so this remains our best plausible lead. Edward would’ve been 17/18 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.