Often acknowledged as the first African American artist to gain international recognition, Henry O. Tanner’s artistry represents a tradition of American artists who sought to show the beauty and value of African American life.
A trip to the Appalachian area in North Carolina created The Banjo Lesson. Tanner’s travels inspired him to document the life and culture of African Americans, something not always seen as a priority in 19th- and 20th-century American society. The figures in The Banjo Lesson evoke a sense of serenity, artistry, and warmth, in spite of the social and economic hardships they may have faced.
7″ h x 5″ w