Henry Ossawa Tanner

Biography

Henry Ossawa Tanner (June 21, 1859 – May 25, 1937) was an American painter who became the first African American artist to achieve widespread international recognition. He was particularly famous for his religious paintings, biblical subjects and realistic portrayals of African American life. His works combined realism, impressionistic lighting and spiritual themes, making him one of the most important artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life and Education

Tanner was born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. His father, Benjamin Tucker Tanner, was a prominent minister and later became a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother, Sarah Miller Tanner, had escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad.

In 1868, his family moved to Philadelphia, where he developed an interest in painting after watching an artist at work in a park. Encouraged by his parents, he decided to pursue an artistic career. In 1879, he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied under renowned painter Thomas Eakins. He was the only African American student in his class.

Career

After completing his studies, Tanner struggled to establish himself as a professional artist in Philadelphia. In 1888, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he opened a photography studio and later taught drawing at Clark University.

In 1891, with financial support from his patrons, Bishop Joseph Crane Hartzell and his wife, he travelled to Paris, France, to continue his artistic education. He enrolled at the Académie Julian, where he studied under painters Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant and Jean-Paul Laurens. He eventually decided to settle in France, where he found greater artistic opportunities and less racial discrimination.

During the early 1890s, Tanner produced some of his most recognised paintings depicting African American life, including The Banjo Lesson (1893) and The Thankful Poor (1894). These works demonstrated his ability to portray ordinary people with dignity, warmth and humanity.

He gained further recognition through his religious paintings. His work Daniel in the Lions' Den received an honourable mention at the Paris Salon in 1895. In 1897, his painting The Resurrection of Lazarus received a third-class medal at the Paris Salon and was purchased by the French government.

Following this success, Tanner travelled to the Holy Land, Egypt and other regions, which provided inspiration for his biblical subjects and religious compositions. He continued exhibiting internationally and became an established figure in European art circles. In 1923, the French government honoured him with the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.

Notable Works and Artistic Style

Tanner was known for his realistic paintings, atmospheric lighting, rich colours and deeply spiritual compositions. His work frequently explored biblical narratives, religious devotion and African American experiences.

Some of his most notable paintings include:

The Banjo Lesson (1893)

The Thankful Poor (1894)

Daniel in the Lions' Den (1895)

The Resurrection of Lazarus (1896)

The Annunciation (1898)

The Disciples See Christ Walking on the Water (1907)

The Two Disciples at the Tomb (1906)

His paintings often combined traditional realism with impressionistic techniques, particularly through his use of light to create emotional and spiritual atmosphere.

Personal Life and Death

Tanner married Jessie Olsson, an American opera singer, in 1899. Their son, Jesse Ossawa Tanner, was born in 1903. The family lived primarily in France, dividing their time between Paris and their home in Normandy.

During World War I, Tanner worked with the American Red Cross in France. Despite health difficulties in his later years, he continued painting and exhibiting his work.

Henry Ossawa Tanner died on May 25, 1937, in Paris, France, at the age of 77.