Edwin Evans (1860-1946), Elderly Male Nude, charcoal, 16 1/4 x 14 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art.
Utah artist Edwin Evans was born in Lehi (then called Evansville, after his father) on February 2, 1860. This sketch likely comes from the artist’s days as an art student in Paris. Evans was one of five men who traveled to Paris as art missionaries for the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While studying at the famed Académie Julian, Evans and honed his artistic skills in anticipation of painting murals for the Salt Lake Temple. While Evans is best known for his Impressionist-inspired landscapes, this quiet sketch offers a unique glimpse into his facility with the human form and expression.