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Henry Ossawa Tanner Booklet
Richerson, Amaya
Art History Honors
Why I created this booklet...
My booklet encapsulates Henry Ossawa Tanner's upbringing and artistic journey, featuring a collection of his notable artworks alongside the inspirations that fueled his career. I felt driven to create this booklet as a tribute to Tanner's background and his meaningful connection to young Black individuals like myself. Tanner's exploration of race, identity, and spiritual themes resonates deeply with me as a young Black American, reflecting experiences and perspectives that I relate to on a personal level. Through his art, Tanner not only expressed the complexities of race and spirituality but also challenged societal norms and barriers faced by Black artists. His perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope and determination for young Black creatives striving to make their voices heard in today's world. By showcasing Tanner's art and the influences behind it, I aim to celebrate his legacy and inspire a new generation of artists to embrace their heritage, tell their stories, and pursue their dreams with unwavering passion and resilience. Moreover, Tanner's advocacy and trailblazing efforts in the art world have paved the way for Black artists globally, making his legacy a source of empowerment and inspiration for aspiring artists of color.
Later Settling Place & Family Life
When Henry Ossawa Tanner got older, he lived in France. After studying art and starting his career in the United States, Tanner moved to Paris in the late 19th century. He found more opportunities and acceptance for African American artists in Europe, especially in France, where he spent most of his adult life. Tanner settled in Paris, where he had a successful career and became part of the city's lively art scene. He still had connections to America but considered France his home for the rest of his life, creating impressive artworks inspired by European styles. Henry Ossawa Tanner came from a family that cared a lot about making the world better. His dad, Benjamin Tucker Tanner, was a minister and abolitionist who worked hard for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin's dedication to helping others and fighting for education influenced Henry's beliefs a lot. Henry's mom, Sarah Miller Tanner, was supportive of his art. Together, they encouraged Henry's interests and taught him to be strong and true to himself. The Tanner family's commitment to making a difference in society inspired Henry to explore important themes like identity, equality, and spirituality in his art.
Henry Ossawa Tanner began painting as a child, fueled by his passion for art and the support of his family. Raised in Pittsburgh, he was exposed to artistic influences that inspired him. Tanner pursued formal art education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia in the late 1870s, despite encountering racial discrimination. His decision to pursue painting professionally stemmed from a desire to express himself creatively and challenge societal norms through his art, marking the beginning of his notable career as an artist. Henry Ossawa Tanner's art was influenced by his upbringing in Pittsburgh, where he experienced the challenges and successes of the African American community. This inspired him to explore themes of race, identity, and spirituality in his paintings. Tanner's strong religious background, influenced by his father's role as a minister, also played a significant role in his art, often depicting biblical scenes with a sense of spiritual depth. Additionally, Tanner's time in Europe, especially in France, provided him with artistic freedom and exposure to different art styles, shaping how he painted and composed his artworks. Overall, Tanner's art reflects a blend of personal experiences, spiritual beliefs, and artistic influences that define his unique and impactful style in American and European art history.
In addition to painting, Henry Ossawa Tanner explored photography and sculpture during his artistic career. He enjoyed experimenting with different artistic mediums to express his creativity. Tanner had a strong interest in religious and spiritual themes, which often inspired his artworks. Besides his artistic endeavors, Tanner also taught and mentored aspiring artists, showing his commitment to supporting artistic talent and diversity in the arts community. He used his art as a platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice, addressing important societal issues through his work. Overall, Henry Ossawa Tanner's contributions went beyond painting, showcasing his diverse artistic talents and his dedication to making a difference through art.
Born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Henry Ossawa Tanner spent his formative years in the city before embarking on his artistic education and career. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he was immersed in the vibrant African American community, which greatly influenced his later artistic endeavors.
Henry Ossawa Tanner's parents, Benjamin Tucker Tanner and Sarah Miller Tanner were supportive of his love for art. Living in Pittsburgh, Tanner saw both the struggles and successes of the Black community in a time of significant change in America. These early experiences in a diverse setting shaped Tanner's artistic style and interests. Inspired by his upbringing, Tanner went on to become a pioneering African American artist.
Realism & The American Realist Movement
Henry Ossawa Tanner's artistic style is a blend of realism and spiritual symbolism, showcasing him as a prime example of the late 19th-century American Realist movement. Tanner's paintings demonstrate a mastery of light and shadow, using soft brushwork and subdued colors to create moody atmospheres that provoke deep emotional contemplation. He focused on portraying everyday life and ordinary people, often incorporating spiritual and biblical themes, which aligns with the principles of American Realism influenced by European painters like Jean-François Millet and Gustave Courbet. Tanner's exploration of spiritual subjects adds a layer of depth to his realism, turning his art into more than just representation by conveying profound spirituality and universal truths. Overall, Henry Ossawa Tanner's distinctive style, blending realism with spiritual themes, embodies the ideals of the American Realist movement and continues to inspire admiration and study in the world of art history. Realist artists aimed to depict everyday life and ordinary people in a straightforward and truthful manner, focusing on scenes from rural and urban life. They sought to capture the realities of American society, including its social issues and cultural diversity.
Henry Ossawa Tanner's art has influenced many artists, including Jacob Lawrence and Faith Ringgold. Jacob Lawrence is known for his paintings of African American life, while Faith Ringgold uses storytelling and cultural symbols in her colorful artworks. Contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley also draw inspiration from Tanner's exploration of race and representation, challenging traditional norms in their art. Tanner's unique blend of realism and symbolic depth continues to inspire artists who want to tell meaningful stories and explore themes of identity, spirituality, and social justice through their art. His legacy lives on through generations of artists who strive to push boundaries and create art that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.
During his time in Paris, Henry Ossawa Tanner was influenced by the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements, which focused on using color, light, and expressive brushwork. Inspired by artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Tanner experimented with vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes in his own work. He was also drawn to Post-Impressionists like Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, who explored form and emotional expression. Tanner combined these influences into his Realist style, using earthy tones and a sense of introspection to capture spiritual depth in his subjects. His exposure to these artistic movements in Paris broadened his perspective and contributed to the unique blend of realism and symbolism that defines his art.
The Annunciation(1898) Oil on canvas - Collection of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Painting (Oil)
Medium -Painting (Oil)
Medium -Painting (Oil)
The Arch(1919) Oil on canvas - Collection Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New YorkPainting (Oil)
Medium -Painting (Oil)
Medium -Painting (Oil)
I chose this piece of work as one my favorites because of the connection that the Grandfather and son have. The painting showcases the generational tradition being passed down in front of our faces. This artwork made me think about the connection I had with my grandfather. He would always tell me stories and show me pictures of himself when he was younger and he would teach me older games that he and his friends used to play. The painting "The Banjo Lesson" reflects Realism by focusing on everyday life and meaningful themes. Although the scene seems ordinary, it carries deeper messages about passing down wisdom across generations and enduring hardships with strength. This shows how Realist art captures important aspects of human experience and society through seemingly simple subjects.
I chose this painting as one of my favorites also because of the connection between the grandfather and the son. They are thankful for what they have even though it isn't a lot. The painting is showing that they are all each other need. This artwork made me think of all the families that are currently going through this same situation, they do not have a lot but they have each other, which is enough. "The Thankful Poor" exemplifies the Realist movement by showing a touching moment of everyday life with sincerity and empathy. The painting authentically captures universal themes of human experience, emphasizing the dignity and resilience of its subjects. This reflects the Realist goal of depicting ordinary life and conveying meaningful messages through art.
https://www.aaa.si.edu/blog/2018/11/henry-tanners-judas-the-lost-disciple
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claude-Monet
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Ossawa-Tanner/images-videos
https://blackartstory.org/2017/08/21/profile-henry-ossawa-tanner/
https://www.theartstory.org/artist/tanner-henry-ossawa/
https://americanart.si.edu/artist/henry-ossawa-tanner-4742
https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1919.html
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