Pioneer African-American Artists

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Two years ago, to commemorate African-American History month, I prepared a series of slides with snippets about artists who set the stage for generations to follow. Some of the early American artists of African decent include: Joshua Johnston, Robert Scott Duncanson, Edward Mitchell Bannister, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.

Joshua Johnston (1765–1830) is considered by some as one of the first American artist of African descent to become known for his many portraits. He would visit wealthy plantation owners in Maryland and Virginia a paint portraits.
 
Robert Scott Duncanson (1821–1872) is considered by art historians as the first black man to earn his living as an artist, painting murals, landscapes, and floral still lifes.
 
Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828–1901) was a landscape artist who was the first Aftican-American artist to win first prize in a national art exhibition (Philadelphia Expo in 1876). Sadly, he was unable to attend the expo because of his race.
 
Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937), was known for his religious paintings and is said to be the first Aftican-American artist to earn an international reputation.
 
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