Hearts of Gold & Bold
Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859 - 1937)
We profile H. O. Tanner for his work as an American painter during a difficult time in history to pursue life as an artist. He is recognized as one of the earliest black Americans to pursue art as a full-time profession and succeed. He moved to France in 1891 where he earned a great reputation for painting religious themed scenes commissioned by church leaders who were primary buyers of art during his lifetime.
His 1893 painting, The Banjo Lesson, characterizes a value for performing arts and mentoring youth within family life which we appreciate the most.
A portrait of H. O. Tanner (right) was painted in 1902, by Thomas Eakins.
These two images are within the public domain, per wikicommons. You can find other Tanner painting images and history on wikipedia.org and other sources.
The Banjo Lesson - 1893
