Ellen Sharples
(1769 - 1849)
Ellen Sharples was a painter who specialised in portraits and miniatures. After having been a student of painter James Sharples and subsequently marrying him in 1787, the couple emigrated to the United States. Living in Washington DC, the Sharples established a successful portraiture practice, with James painting the portraits of American leaders and Ellen copying them on commission. Ellen Sharples also produced original portraits in pastel and watercolour and miniatures on ivory.