Contemporary New York City-based artist Mark Beard has long demonstrated command in a variety of mediums — he works in oil paint, bronze, ceramics and more. Beard is known mainly for his portraits and figurative paintings, but he is prolific in figurative drawing and nude photography as well.
Beard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1986, he began working as a set designer, and for the next decade, he created more than 20 sets in New York City, London, Frankfurt, Vienna and Cologne. As a painter and printmaker, Beard didn’t wish to confine himself to a rigid style and instead sought to explore Impressionism, Art Nouveau and other movements in a range of mediums. In order to freely move from one style to the next, Beard created several different personas, assigning a specific biography to each one.
Beard's most prominent artistic alter ego is Bruce Sargeant, whom the artist has positioned in exhibitions as an early 20th-century painter. Beard's work as Sargeant is a detailed study of the male physique. The paintings often feature sculpted athletic men engaged in physical activities like wrestling and rowing. The work is steeped in homoeroticism, and the artist’s name itself is a reference to painter John Singer Sargent — while he’s best known for his Edwardian-era portraits, John Singer Sargent also created murals and drawings of male nudes that were similarly reflective of a homoerotic sensibility.
Beard is also an accomplished landscape painter. His great-grandfather, George Beard, was a regional painter and photographer of the Rocky Mountains. Mark spent summers at his grandfather's 19th-century log cabin retreat as a child. These formative experiences are reflected in his own stunning landscape paintings.
Beard's artwork is held in many high-profile museum collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Today, Beard resides in the Manhattan loft that he purchased in 1994 with his partner, James Manfred. It serves as both his home and his studio. The space is filled with his oil paintings, drawings and sculptures.
On 1stDibs, find Mark Beard paintings, drawings, photography and more.
Untitled 28 (Polaroid Transfer Drawing of a Reclining Male Nude by Mark Beard)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Polaroid transfer drawing of a reclining male nude on Rive BFK paper by Mark Beard 9.5 x 7 inch image size 22 x 15 inch paper size Ed. 5/6, Polaroid Transfer on Rives BFK paper, unfr...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Linda (Polaroid Transfer of Nude Woman on Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 15 x 11 inches Artist Proof Photograph of Nude Woman Sitting Unique Polaroid Transfer on Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on bottom right corner, unique print. This is one in a series of Polaroid transfers...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Red Drape
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed and inscribed (AP 1/3) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is offered by Cl...
Photogravure
Untitled 17 (Polaroid Transfer of Standing Young Nude Man on Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 10 x 8 inches Standing young nude male with dark background Polaroid Transfer on 22 x 15 inch Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on bottom right corner....
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Tim
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Tim 1998 Signed, dated, and inscribed “AP” in pencil, recto Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper 22 x 15 inches, sheet 9 x 6.75 inches, image This work is offered by ClampArt in ...
Polaroid
Untitled 19 (Polaroid Transfer of Young Nude Man in Bed on Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 8 x 10 inches Young Nude Man in Bed Unique Polaroid Transfer on 22 x 15 inch Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on bottom left...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Self Portrait
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, titled, dated, and numbered (4/6) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is o...
Photogravure
Untitled 13 (Mark Beard Polaroid Transfer of Young Male Nude on Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 10 x 8 inches Young male sitting against dark background Polaroid Transfer on 22 x 15 inch Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on bottom right corner. ed...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Marc (Frontal with Cigarette)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This unique hand-painted photograph by Mark Beard is offered by CLAMP in New York City.
Paint, Ink
Baroque Back (Polaroid Transfer of Standing Young Nude Man on Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 8 x 10 inches Standing Young Nude Man Polaroid Transfer on 22 x 15 inch Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on bottom left corner. ed. 1/6 This is one i...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Marc (Rear with Cigarette)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This unique hand-painted photograph by Mark Beard is offered by CLAMP in New York City.
Paint, Silver Gelatin
Untitled 31 (Figurative Drawing Polaroid Transfer of a Young Female Nude)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Figurative, Polaroid transfer of a nude female PT 31, Made in 1996 9.5 x 6.5 inch image size 22 x 15 inch paper size signed & dated lower right Uniq...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Untitled (Stooped Man with Bowl of Fruit)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, dated, and numbered (5/6) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 8 x 10 inches, image This artwork is offered b...
Photogravure
Mark Dancing (Polaroid Transfer of a Nude Man Smoking in Socks on Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 10 x 8 inches Standing Nude Male Flexing in Socks and Shoes Smoking a Cigarette Polaroid Transfer on 22 x 15 inch Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
Dirk from Rear
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This work is offered by ClampArt in New York City.
Polaroid
Untitled (Male Nude in Shadow)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, dated, and inscribed (AP) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is offered b...
Photogravure
Handstand
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Handstand 1998 Signed, dated, and numbered (1/6) in pencil, recto Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper 22 x 15 inches, sheet 9 x 7 inches, image Contact gallery for price. This ...
Polaroid
H 7.88 in W 9.85 in D 0.04 in
Silver Souls - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Silver Souls - 2024 - 20x25cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. inventory PL2024-27. Not m...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 0.04 in
Drive-in Dreams (Bombay Beach) - Contemporary, Polaroid, Women, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Drive-In Dreams (Bombay Beach) - 2019 50x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the Polaroid, not mounted. Signature label and certificate. Artist ...
Photographic Paper, Polaroid, Color, C Print, Archival Paper
H 7.88 in W 9.85 in D 0.04 in
Badlands - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Badlands - 2018 20x25cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the Polaroid. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist inventory PL2018-1098. Not m...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 0.04 in
Stevie in Bathtub (29 Palms, CA) - analog, Polaroid, Contemporary
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Stevie in Bathtub (29 Palms, CA) - 1999 20x20cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist in...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 0.04 in
You turn from Me (Till Death do us Part) - Contemporary, Polaroid, Nude, Women
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
You turn from Me (Till Death do us Part) - 2005, 20x20cm, Edition 1/10, digital C-Print print, based on the Polaroid, Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory No. 9555....
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 47.25 in W 50.4 in D 0.12 in
So Still (Sidewinder) - analog, mounted
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
So Still (Sidewinder) - 2005 Edition 1/5 or 2/5, 150x128cm. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, mounted on Aluminum with matte UV-Pr...
Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 0.04 in
Figure study in Black and White I - Contemporary, Figurative, Polaroid, Nude
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
'Figure study in black and white I' 2016, Edition 2/7 plus 2 Artist Proofs Based on a Polaroid, digital C-Print, not mounted. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist invent...
Archival Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 0.01 in
Diptychon wallpaper-project Nr. 44
Located in Cologne, DE
Erotic Photography RÜDIGER SCHESTAG Diptych, wallpaper project No. 44 Each approx. 40 x 40 cm Signed and dated 2005 Edition 2/10 Rüdiger Schestag was born in 1964. After studying p...
Color
H 42 in W 28 in D 1 in
"Wrapped Series Untitled #33" Photography Edition 2/10 42x28 in by Robert Mack
By Robert Mack
Located in Culver City, CA
"Wrapped Series Untitled #33" Photography Edition 2/10 42x28 in by Robert Mack 2019 Photograph, archival exhibition paper Aluminum mount, UV mat protectio...
Metal
H 24 in W 20 in
Not Bad For 36, from The Last Sitting
By Bert Stern
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Original color photograph hand developed from the original negative by Bert Stern. This photo is part of The Last Sitting portfolio, taken six weeks before Marilyn Monroe’s death in ...
Photographic Paper, C Print
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 0.04 in
Skindeep - 21st Century, Polaroid, Nude Photography, Contemporary
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Skindeep - 2018, 50x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist inventory PL2018-4...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 0.04 in
White Trash Beautiful (29 Palms, CA) - Polaroid, Contemporary, 20th Century
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
White Trash Beautiful (29 Palms, CA) - 1999 20x20cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid, Signature label and Certificate. Artist inven...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
H 5.25 in W 4.25 in
Aiden (Shirtless)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This unique Polaroid by Mark Beard is offered by CLAMP in New York City.
Polaroid
H 5.25 in W 4.25 in
Aiden (Watching TV)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This unique Polaroid by Mark Beard is offered by CLAMP in New York City.
Polaroid
H 14 in W 11 in
Untitled (Nude Male Torso)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This unique hand-painted photograph by Mark Beard is offered by CLAMP in New York City.
Oil, Silver Gelatin
H 22 in W 15 in
Dirk
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Dirk 1995 Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed (3/6) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK Paper 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image $1,...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
H 22 in W 15 in
Unidentified Standing Male
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Unidentified Standing Male 1998 Signed, dated, and numbered (1/6) in pencil, recto Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper 22 x 15 inches, sheet 9 x 6.5 inches, image This work is o...
Polaroid
H 22 in W 15 in
Self Portrait
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, titled, dated, and numbered (2/6) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is o...
Photogravure
H 22 in W 15 in
Untitled (Man with Bouquet of Lilies)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, dated, and inscribed "Unique AP" in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is of...
Photogravure
H 22 in W 15 in
Untitled (Man Seated on Chair)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, dated, and numbered (2/6) in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is offered b...
Photogravure
H 22 in W 15 in
Untitled 26 (Polaroid Transfer of Young Nude Male on Rives BFK) by Mark Beard
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Untitled 26 (Polaroid Transfer of Young Nude Male on Rives BFK) by Mark Beard 10 x 8 inch image size 22 x 15 inch paper size signed & dated lower right Unique Polaroid Transfer on Ri...
Archival Paper, Polaroid
H 22 in W 15 in
Untitled (Male Nude Leaning on Chair)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is offere...
Photogravure
H 22 in W 15 in
Dirk
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Polaroid transfer on Rives BFK paper Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed in pencil, recto Also blindstamped, l.r. 22 x 15 inches, sheet 10 x 8 inches, image This artwork is offere...
Photogravure
H 22 in W 15 in
Self Portrait 45 (Polaroid Transfer Young Nude Man with Animal Skull Rives BFK)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
image size: 22 x 15 inches Self Portrait of Young Nude Male with Anmial Skull Artist Proof Polaroid Transfer on Rives BFK paper, unframed signed SM Beard in pencil on bottom right c...
Archival Paper, Polaroid