Self-Portrait
ca. 1910
Henry Ossawa Tanner, the first African American artist to break onto the international stage, gives us a rare peek behind the curtain in this self-portrait from around 1910. Instead of the biblical scenes he’s famous for, we see the man himself: profile sharp, arms crossed, looking off into the distance with a serious, contemplative vibe. The loose, sketchy lines suggest this was a quick study, perhaps practicing the drapery of the robe he’s wearing—a classic exercise for academic artists trained in the rigorous style of his teacher, Thomas Eakins. It’s a humble, human moment from a master of light and shadow.
Views: 5