Henry Ossawa Tanner Quotes

A collection of quotes by Henry Ossawa Tanner.

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) was an influential American artist, recognized as one of the foremost African-American painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to an African Methodist Episcopal bishop and a former slave. As a young man, Tanner faced numerous obstacles due to his racial identity, but his determination and artistic talent eventually led him to great success.

Tanner began his formal art education in Philadelphia, studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He later moved to Paris in 1891, where he experienced creative freedom and thrived as an artist. In France, he gained recognition and admiration for his realistic and emotionally evocative style, often depicting religious and biblical scenes.

His most renowned work, "The Banjo Lesson" (1893), depicts an intimate moment of a grandfather teaching a young boy how to play the banjo, capturing a sense of familial love and African-American heritage. Tanner's paintings were celebrated for their skillful use of light, capturing nuanced emotions and creating a sense of spiritual transcendence.

Throughout his career, Tanner received numerous awards and honors, including becoming the first African-American to obtain full membership in France's prestigious Salon. His works can be found in major museums and collections around the world, perpetuating his legacy as a groundbreaking African-American artist. Henry Ossawa Tanner's artwork continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the history of American art.