The Good Shepherd c. 1918

"The Good Shepherd," painted by Henry Ossawa Tanner around 1918, depicts a shepherd leading a flock of sheep near a simple hut. Tanner’s signature use of rich, earthy tones dominates the composition, lending a sense of both spiritual and physical grounding. The shepherd, standing tall and confident, guides the sheep towards the shelter, their forms becoming almost indistinguishable from the surrounding landscape, highlighting the shepherd’s unifying role in the scene. This oil painting exemplifies Tanner's deep connection to biblical narratives, exploring themes of faith and guidance through a tranquil yet evocative style.