Henry Ossawa Tanner: Sophocles At The Tomb

“Many of the artists who have represented Negro life have seen only the comic, ludicrous side of it, and have lacked sympathy with and appreciation for the warm big heart that dwells within such a rough exterior,” (Meyerowitz). Henry Ossawa Tanner was an African American pioneer of art who painted images that displayed tranquil scenes of religion and racial injustice. Tanner used his paintings as nonviolent weapons to fight against the stereotypes that characterized African Americans during the 1800s. He expressed his beliefs with serene paintings that endured messages of peace and devotion. Tanner was born on June 21, 1859 in the city of Pittsburgh, as the oldest of his nine siblings. (BioStaff). His parents valued the importance of being a Christian and having an education. His father graduated college in Pennsylvania and became a schoolteacher and church minister. His mother was a
He also shows the profound transformation of Mary’s identity in a manner that brings together the earthly and the divine,” (Hage). Furthermore, the light is a symbol of the presence the presence of God, himself. Using light as a symbol helps him to paint biblical scenes with style of realism rather than naturalism. “Two Disciples at the Tomb” is a painting that displays a biblical event of the New Testament’s Gospel of John. John and Peter are the two disciples shown standing in front of Jesus’ tomb. Light illuminating from the tomb captures the dark and nocturnal scenery that the supernatural event occurred. The radiating light reflects on the pale white skins of both men, dressed in long, dark draped garments. With his mouth shut and chin up, John appears to question the tomb’s emptiness to himself. Peter emerges with his head lowered and gazing somberly with his right arm across his chest and focused on the empty