The linked homes and studios of two founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, preserving the creative spaces where early American modernist painters developed their distinctive Southwest aesthetic.
At a glance
This National Register property comprises the residence and working studio of E. Irving Couse alongside two studio buildings owned by Joseph Henry Sharp. Both artists were instrumental in establishing the Taos Society of Artists, a pivotal movement in American art history.
History
E. Irving Couse (1866–1936) and Joseph Henry Sharp (1859–1953) were founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, a collective that profoundly influenced American art in the early twentieth century. Their adjoining properties in Taos document the professional partnership and shared artistic vision of these pioneering painters. The site was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 2005.
What you see
The property preserves distinct creative spaces: Couse’s own home and studio, reflecting his living and working methods, and two separate studio buildings constructed for Sharp. These structures embody the architectural preferences of working artists in early twentieth-century Taos, adapted to serve both domestic and professional needs.
Cultural significance
The site represents a crucial moment in American art when Eastern painters relocated to the Southwest to capture new light, landscape, and indigenous culture. As homes of the Taos Society’s founders, these studios symbolize the creative ferment that defined an artistic generation and shaped the region’s cultural identity.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Taos, New Mexico
- Coordinates: 36.40805556, −105.57166667
- National Register listing: September 28, 2005
- Key figures: E. Irving Couse (1866–1936); Joseph Henry Sharp (1859–1953)
Practical information & getting there
The property is located in Taos, New Mexico. As a National Register site, it holds protected status. Confirm current access and visiting hours before your visit, as private residences and studios may have limited public access.
Sources & resources
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