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Henry Ossawa Tanner

painter, university teacher, printmaker, photographer, illustrator, graphic artist, pastellist, watercolorist

1859 – 1937

Henry Ossawa Tanner was an American artist who spent much of his career in France. He became the first African-American painter to gain international acclaim. Tanner moved to Paris, France, in 1891 to study at the Académie Julian and gained acclaim in French artistic circles. In 1923, the French government elected Tanner chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

All Quotes by Henry Ossawa Tanner

No, father, you preach from the pulpit and I will preach with my brush.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

It is not by accident that I have chosen to be a religious painter…I paint the things I see and believe.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

I am simply M. Tanner, an American artist. Nobody knows or cares what was the complexion of my forebears. I live and work there in terms of absolute social equality.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

I will preach with my brush.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

I decided on the spot that I would be an artist, and I assure you, it was no ordinary artist I had in mind.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

It seemed to me that this might be a great pageant, which would give a chance for a very interesting picture.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

I will preach with my brush.

Henry Ossawa Tanner