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!
What Detail! You Must See These Stunning Oil Paintings...
Check out these stunning, detailed oil paintings by Osamu Obi.
10 Brilliantly Detailed Animal Portraits by Sophie Green
Animals are more than creative muse for artist Sophie Green. She uses her brilliant, realistic animal portraits to raise awareness for wildlife conservation.
These Famous Artworks Were Once Considered SCANDALOUS
Throughout history, artists have repeatedly tried to challenge societal norms. And sometimes, they succeeded. Here are 7 of history's most controversial artworks.
Artist Makes Beautiful Wood-Based Art Using Reclaimed Wood
Canadian artist Jynae Bergeron makes beautiful wood-based art using reclaimed wood
Fluid Wildlife Murals Breathe New Life Into Dull Buildings
The Argentinan artist Fio Silva breathes new life into dull city buildings by decorating them with massive wildlife murals.
John Sargent’s Artworks Look So Aesthetically Pleasing
Marvel at some of the most beautiful paintings by the famous artist John Singer Sargent.
Let 'The Sugar Plum Fairy Dance' Excite Your Xmas Spirit!
What poise ballerina Nina Kaptsova displays in this gorgeous performance of Tchaikovsky's most Christmassy dance!
The Beauty of Female Portraits Through the Centuries
This video is truly a testament to that statement that it is a small artistic world after all.
Tiny Animal Paintings That'll Take Your Breath Away
Julia Las is a Ukrainian artist who specializes in making watercolor miniatures. As you're about to see, they're absolutely incredible!
5 Hyper-Realistic Drawings That Just Seem IMPOSSIBLE
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly lifelike drawings.
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.
If You're a Married Man, This Song Has Some Advice For You!
Timothy Hawkins, in this hilarious song, sings about what you should not say to your wife if you want a long life. This will make you cry with laughter!
These Intricate Designs Turn Wood into Beautiful Art
This talented artist turns salvaged wood into beautiful art pieces.
Stephanie Rew Creates Lustrous Portraits Dipped in Gold
Admire 13 of Stephanie Rew’s fantastic gold leaf portraits.
This Food Art of Kids' Favorite Characters Is Remarkable!
One mom turns her child's meals into amazing food art. Here are 20 of her greatest dishes.
20 Modern Sculptures That Prove High Art Is Alive and Well
Here are some of the world's most notable examples of modern sculpture. These awesome designs should be in every city!
This Young Violinist Will Treat Your Ears to Heaven...
watch as 11 year old Tyler Butler-Figueroa wows the judges of America's Got Talent with his violin music.
See the Beauty of Mushrooms Captured in Stunning Photos
This artist turns mushrooms into stunning arrangements. Check out her stunning artwork here.
These People Took Their Hobby to the Next Level
These people are living examples of the mastery of a hobby.
Bright and Colorful! Feast Your Eyes on This Gorgeous Art
Vibrant, expressive and colorful describe the beautiful paintings that you're about to see.
This Boy's Harmonica Skills Are Outstanding!
This child's performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin on the harmonica blew me away. Check it out here!
This World Circus Acrobatic Performance is a Must-Watch!
This acrobatic performance is unlike anything you will ever watch! Remarkable!
What a Spectacular Performance by 2 Classic Greats!
An exciting performance by two classic greats - Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye!
Can You Believe How Well This Man Plays Vivaldi's Summer?
Listen to this gentleman play Vivaldi's Summer. It is impressive!
Never Judge a Book By Its Cover!
Opera meets pop when 17-year-old Jonathan and 16-year-old Charlotte sing together. But can the duo convince Britain's Got Talent Judges they are true talent?
This John Lennon Song Reminds Me it's Good to Be Older
This beautiful presentation takes us through the annals of "Borrowed Time" - a great and meaningful song by John Lennon.
This Art Is Beautiful Beyond Belief! Take a Look...
This art is unlike anything you've ever seen. Take a look at this magnificent butterfly art!
The Artist and The Horse: 10 Stunning Works of Art
Take a look at these stunning paintings of horses by these incredible artists.
These Gorgeous, Classic Paintings Will Leave You in Awe
J.M.W. Turner is perhaps one of the most well-known British artists ever. When you feast your eyes on 10 of his most famous paintings, you'll understand why.
Watch This Daredevil Stun the Britain's Got Talent Judges
Have you ever seen a magician as brave and as crazy as TanBA? View his fearless act here.
Watch Andre Rieu Masterfully Perform 'The Last Rose'
Watch Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra masterfully perform their version of 'The Last Rose' while they were touring the Netherlands.
This Beautiful Cover of Cher's 'Believe' Melted My Heart...
Watch Ella Henderson perform Cher's believe in the most impeccable way possible.
This Classical Duo's Music Will Touch Your Soul, Guaranteed
Watch the legendary Anre Rieu perform alongside Gheorghe Zamfir, as they treat their audience to Lonely Shepherd, live from Bucharest.
Ever Thought Music and Humor Don't Mix? Think Again!
This performance is a stunning mixture of beauty and humor. Definitely worth a watch!
See Old America Like Never Before With These Vintage Maps
A look at some glorious vintage illustrated maps from 19th century America that gives a great look of the country from back in the day.
Music Box: 20 Beautiful Covers of Beloved Rock Ballads
Presenting a collection of the best ballads, reimagined as unique piano covers that add a new level of emotion and originality.
Frankenstein’s Mother: the Amazing Life of Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley's life was one of great tragedies, but also amazing achievements, being one of the first widely-respected female novelists.
Mind Blown! This Man is a Modern Day Master Craftsman
This man many literally be the world’s last living blacksmith, and creates weaponry wonders from normal stainless steel bolts.
This 91-Year-Old's Beautiful Portraits Touch Our Souls
Why feel bitter about aging when you could just enjoy life? This is the lesson of some wonderful artwork from a mother and son team from Canada.
Art Collection: The Most Beautiful and Original Wood Art
In this post, we showcase some of our most beautiful posts about wood art.
These Two Talented Children Definitely Know How to Sing
These two cute children blew everyone away when they took to the stage to give a rendition of the famous song "You Raise Me Up."
How Does He Do It? This Magician Is Beyond Incredible!
28-year-old Ben Hart magic tricks will turn even the most stern-faced skeptic into a believer. Tell us if you can figure out how he does these things, because we certainly can’t!
Elton John’s Hits Absolutely Stand the Test of Time
Sometimes music is all you need to make your day better! Enjoy these timeless hits by Elton John.
How Does This Artist Transform Ordinary Stones to Art?
See how Japanese artist Hirotoshi Itoh transforms ordinary stones into works of art.
This Elegant Gymnast Will Amaze You!
World renown Rhythmic Gymnast Evgenia Kanaeva shows us her perfect form in a remarkable display.
Enjoy 60 Minutes of Cirque du Soleil Magic!
Want to see one of the best modern circus shows in the world?
WATCH: This Couple Was Meant to Dance Together
These dancers were meant to perform together, and I'd be happy to watch them many times over. I think you'll agree.