His artwork and story leave a lasting legacy that has impacted manyBlack artistswhove followed since.
Who Was Henry Ossawa Tanner?
Portrait of Henry O. Tanner, 1900.
Photo: L. Matthes (Public domain)
He established a small gallery there, where he sold paintings and took photographs.
He also taught art classes at Clark College to make ends meet.
Their patronage allowed Tanner to achieve his dream of traveling to Europe.
Photo:Smithsonian Institution from United States(Public domain)
He finally set sail in 1891, with plans to study art in Rome.
Tanner enrolled at theAcademie Julianin Paris, where he studied under artists such asJean-Paul LaurensandJean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant.
What Did Henry Ossawa Tanner Paint?
“Portrait of Henry O. Tanner,” 1900. (Photo:Thomas Eakins[Public domain])
In 1893 and 1894, he painted two of his most well-known paintings,The Banjo LessonandThe Thankful Poor.
In his later years, Tanner received several honors that served to further distinguish him as an artist.
In 1923, he was given Frances highest honor and made a chevalier of theLegion of Honorfor his achievements.
“The Seine,” c. 1902 (Photo:Henry Ossawa Tanner[CC0])
Henry Ossawa Tanner in his studio.
Related Articles:
“Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City;” c. 1885 (Photo:Henry Ossawa Tanner[Public domain])
“The Banjo Lesson,” 1893 (Photo:Henry Ossawa Tanner[Public domain])
“The Thankful Poor,” 1894 (Photo:Henry Ossawa Tanner[Public domain])
“The Annunciation,” 1898 (Photo:Henry Ossawa Tanner[Public domain])
“The Miraculous Haul of Fishes,” c. 1913-1914 (Photo:Henry Ossawa Tanner[Public domain])
Henry Ossawa Tanner in his studio. (Photo:Smithsonian Institution[Public domain])
