Henry Ossawa Tanner is the most distinguished African-American artist of the nineteenth century, and the first one to rise above the racial discrimination prevalent at the time and achieve international acclaim. Tanner was born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was only 13 when he decided to pursue a career in art, after seeing an artist at work while on a walk with his father through Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.
“It was this simple event that, as it were, set me on fire,” Tanner later recounted of the experience. Eager to discourage his son's interest, Tanner‘s father sent him to apprentice as a flour miller. This endeavor didn’t last long, as Tanner struggled with various health issues, and working at the mill proved to be too strenuous for him. Interestingly, this worked in his favor. While recovering at home, Tanner started to develop his painting skills, and in 1880, at the age of 21, he was able to enroll at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
In 1888, the artist moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to try and make a living, and save money to travel to Europe while continuing to work on his art. It was during his time in Atlanta that Tanner met Bishop Joseph Crane Hartzell and his wife, who went on to become his main patrons. Thanks to their patronage, Tanner was able to achieve his dream of traveling to Europe in 1881. He initially intended to study art in Rome, but after a stop in Paris, he fell in love with the Parisian art scene and decided to stay.
Tanner’s artistic career blossomed in Paris. He went on to spend the rest of his life in France, where he felt a measure of relief from the racial prejudices he had to fight in his home country. In 1923, Tanner was made an honorary chevalier of the Order of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, and in 1927, he became a full academician of the National Academy of Design. In his later years, Tanner was a symbol of hope and inspiration for African-American leaders and young artists, many of whom visited him in Paris. On May 25, 1937, Tanner died at his home in Paris.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Image Source: Flickr
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Related: Robert S. Duncanson’s Landscape Art Was Truly Enchanting
Image Source: Flickr
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Related: Top 16 Paintings Inspired by the Bible
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Related: Landscape Artists and Their Masterpieces
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Share this article with other art lovers!
The Story of the Woman Behind Vincent van Gogh
Little is said about the woman behind Vincent van Gogh, but he was not always alone...
I Can't Believe How Realistic These Woodland Paintings Are
Enjoy 20 of Ivan Shishkin's most beautiful paintings of woodland scenes. You won't believe that you're actually looking at a painting!
These Paintings Transport You to the Mountains
Enjoy this beautiful collection of paintings by renowned Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
John Sargent’s Artworks Look So Aesthetically Pleasing
Marvel at some of the most beautiful paintings by the famous artist John Singer Sargent.
If You Love Nature, Then You've Got to See These Paintings
Enjoy 20 of Ivan Shishkin's most beautiful paintings of woodland scenes. You won't believe that you're actually looking at a painting!
These 3D Embroidery Designs Look Like Real Food
Marvel at the stunning 3D food embroideries created by the artist Youmeng Liu.
André Rieu Lets An Incredible Singer Amaze Us All..
When she sings, magic is returned to the world...
If You Like Illusions - Prepare to Be Amazed!
Amazing Dutch illusionist Hans Klok will perform 10 illusions in 5 minutes!
These Vintage Bird Illustrations are Charming & Beautiful
Here is a look at 20 gorgeous paintings by the celebrated nature artist John James Audubon’s seminal book 'Birds of America'
This Magician is Very Mysterious and Utterly Unique!
This talent show has seen many magicians, but none like this one.
30 Works of Art by Vincent van Gogh You May Not Have Seen
Van Gogh is an artist most well know for the severing of his ear and his painting Starry Night. Here are a few other treasures he created.
13 Iconic Paintings that Changed the Art World Forever
These artists changed the art scene, shaking the world, and leaving a special mark in the historian art scene forever.
Have You Ever Seen a Card Trick as Good as THIS One?
This magician's card tricks will leave you wondering how he managed to pull them off.
The Grace in This Performance Is Jaw-Dropping
This beautiful combination of dancing and acrobatic performance will totally take your breath away. Be sure to watch it right now.
Lord of the Dance Performance With Michael Flatley!
This step dance performance by Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance is beyond beautiful!
This Unique Art Works Mimic Life in a Beautiful Way
These insects may look real, but they are made entirely out of bamboo.
Jason Gamrath Makes the Most Extravagant Glass Flowers
These glass flowers by Jason Gamrath are colorful, huge and exquisite. From orchids to fly catchers, these big glass flowers are shown in beautiful photos.
Arsen Kurbanov Captures the Human Condition Like No Other
These wonderful paintings are by Russian artist Arsen Kubanov. He seeks to combine old painting techniques with his own personal style to create his art.
It is Amazing What This Artist Can Do With Two Strings
Listen to the beauty of a true Erhu master, creating exquisite music with just two strings...
This Musical Duet Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes...
This amazing violin and piano cover of Hallelujah is one of the most beautiful things you will ever hear.
When This Woman Performs, All Eyes Widen...
The Incredible Kseniya Simonova creates beautiful works of art in sand.
The 10 Best Movies For Strengthening Your Relationship
Do you feel like you're getting into a bit of a rut with your beloved? Try watching one of these 10 great movies and you'll be loved up again in no time.
13 Terms in Art History You've Never Heard of
What are impasto, contrapposto, and (hold tight) - kalokagathia? You'll know by the end of this article.
These Needle-Felted Cats Are Adorably Realistic
Japanese artist Mayumi Yamamoto makes incredibly lifelike cat portraits.
This Greek Ballet will Have You Dancing & Shouting 'Opa!'
Zorba the Greek is one of my favorite tunes, it really gets me in the dancing mood the way it builds up that riveting Greek tempo. And what ballet it inspires!
WATCH: Bocelli Stuns Audience With An Amazing Surprise
Legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli, does a wonderful job accompanying the lost voice of Edith Piaf in a glorious and totally unique performance.
Watch This Master of Hoops in Smooth Action!
Valeri Tkach is a world-class juggler who is going to show you some tricks you've never seen before...
We Bet You've Never Heard This Musical Instrument Before
Listen to this little known musical instrument called a yaybahar.
Gaudi: The Iconic Architect That Made Buildings Look Alive
Antoni Gaudi is the most famous Modernist architect. This is a story of his life and creative evolution.
This Extraordinary Girl Sings Her Audience to Sweet Tears
By singing this Broadway class 'Defying Gravity' so amazingly, 12-year-old Beau Dermott defies her age. She could be the next singing sensation.
WATCH: Brightman & Bocelli's Musical Masterpiece
Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli possess two of the most famous voices in the entire world, so you can imagine what happens when they join forces. Watch.
These Canadian Tenors Get a Huge Surprise on Stage
The look on these tenors' faces when they are joined by a special guess is priceless...
These Dancers Are Beyond Anything I've Ever Seen.
Stunning Ballet Acrobatic Performance you have to see to believe.
This World Circus Acrobatic Performance is a Must-Watch!
This acrobatic performance is unlike anything you will ever watch! Remarkable!
8 Mistakes Even Famous Masterpieces Have
As perfect as these works of art are, inaccuracies (be they intentional or not) have been noted.
If You Love Clint Eastwood, You'll Love This Performance
The Danish National Symphony Orchestra create a fantastic experience with their performance of the song from the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
An Especially Amusing Classical Hungarian Dance
Watch this great performance and enjoy not only wonderful Hungarian classical music but an amusing show as well!
12 World-Famous Sculptures Everyone Should Recognize
In this article, we showcase 12 of the most famous and recognized sculptures in the world starting from the oldest to the most recent.
This Gorgeous 6-Year-Old Sings Like a Diva!
This 6 year old sings like some of the greatest women of the twentieth century. What a talent!
This Artwork is Strangely Hypnotizing to Look At
Check out the incredible detail in this hypnotizing work of art.
You Will Be in Awe at How Detailed This Art Truly Is
Parth Kothekar's unique talent is represented in the beautifully intricate pieces of paper art she creates.
Wow! I've Never Seen Such a Great Accordion Player Before!
Watch as Raffaele blows the Italy's Got Talent judges and audience away with his performance of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" on his accordion.
This Artist Uses Fruit and Veggies to Create Stunning Art
Witness the wonderful sculptures of Takehiro Kishimoto, who sculpts in fruit and vegetables.
The Visionary Art and Turbulent Life of Caravaggio
Caravaggio is one of the most renowned and celebrated painters today, but his life and art have a bigger story to tell than one would expect
Revealing the Secrets Behind 15 Popular Magic Tricks...
Adults know that there are secrets behind every magic trick, and although a magician can never reveal them, we can….. Tags: Facebook comments
See Andre Rieu Make Musical History With 'You Raise Me Up'
Watch in amazement as the legendary musician, André Rieu, performs an outstanding rendition of 'You Raise Me Up' alongside the Johann Strauss Orchestra.
Learn the Curious Details Found in Famous Artworks
You think you know everything about these famous artworks? These details may surprise every art know-it-all & give a new perspective to these artworks