The Two Disciples at the Tomb
c. 1906
Henry Ossawa Tanner masterfully captures the breathless moment of discovery in this biblical scene, likely depicting Peter and John arriving at the empty tomb. The older, bearded figure clutches his chest in a gesture of overwhelming emotion, while the younger disciple stares ahead, his face illuminated by a mysterious, unseen light source that cuts through the gloom. Tanner, the first African American artist to gain international acclaim, moved to Paris to escape racial prejudice in the US, and his religious works are famous for their spiritual atmosphere. The dark, swirling background makes the figures feel like they are emerging from the shadows of doubt into the light of realization.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
Location: Art Institute of Chicago