In 2016, Charles Barkley marked Black History Month with a daily spotlight on local African-American heroes. Many of them didn’t make it into the history books or even the newspapers of their time. But their stories are inspiring and worth knowing. Here’s another look.
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Henry Ossawa Tanner
Painter
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Painter
(June 21, 1859 – May 25, 1937)
Henry Ossawa Tanner was the first African-American artist to gain recognition on the world stage.
Noted for his depiction of landscapes and biblical themes, Tanner’s work caught the eye of many, including Thomas Eakins, another famous 19th-century painter from Philadelphia.
Oddly, Tanner thanked his poor health early in his life for giving him the time to hone his artistic skills.
He trained at the renowned Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Robert Vaux School before moving to Paris and settling there.
“Nicodemus Visiting Jesus” is believed to be his most famous work.
EDUCATION:
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
- Robert Vaux School
- Academie Julian
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Won the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Lippincott Prize in 1900
Named honorary chevalier of the Order of the Legion Honor—France’s most distinguished award—in 1923 - In 1927, Tanner was made a full academician of the National Academy of Design—becoming the first African American to ever receive the distinction.
- Only African American enrolled during his time at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
- “Nicodemus Visiting Jesus” (c. 1898) won the PAFA’s Lippincott Prize in 1900
“The Raising of Lazarus” (c. 1897) won a medal at the Paris Salon of 1897
FINAL WORD:
“I will preach with my brush,” Tanner said.
Home page image: © 2002 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Ras Malik. Photo by Jack Ramsdale
