Portrait of Henry Ossawa Tanner 1897

"Portrait of Henry Ossawa Tanner" (1897) by Thomas Eakins is a striking portrait of the renowned African American painter, Henry Ossawa Tanner. Eakins, a prominent American realist painter, captures Tanner's intense gaze and thoughtful demeanor with a meticulous attention to detail. The use of dark tones, particularly in Tanner's clothing, creates a sense of depth and formality, emphasizing his intellectual presence. This oil on canvas painting is a testament to Eakins' masterful portrayal of individuals and serves as a historical record of an important figure in American art history. It is currently housed at the Hyde Collection Art Museum in Glens Falls, NY.