Henry Ossawa Tanner – Influential Black American Artist

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859 – 1937) was an African American artist who was influential around the world with his art style. He was born in Philadelphia and schooled in fine arts. Although he first tried to set up a photography studio in Atlanta, he subsequently left the US and moved to Paris where he attempted to gain artistic acceptance. He was quickly introduced to new artworks and artists, and studied under renowned artists. While his early works, such as were concerned with everyday life as an African American, his later paintings focused mainly on the religious subjects for which he is now best known. Our pattern collection includes many of his most recognized pieces including The Banjo Lesson, The Annunciation, Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City, Gateway, Tangier, Booker T. Washington, Flight into Egypt, and The Resurrection of Lazarus.