1859 - 1937
Henry Ossawa Tanner was an American painter born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is best known for his biblical scenes and depictions of African American life, and he was the first African American artist to gain international acclaim, particularly after his work "The Banjo Lesson" won recognition. Tanner's style was influenced by Impressionism, and he spent much of his later life in France, where he became an important figure in the art community. He died on May 17, 1937.