Self-Portrait

Henry Ossawa Tanner sketched this profile study late in his career, when he was already established as a leading painter of biblical and genre scenes. Working in ink on paper with assured, economical lines, Tanner captures the contemplative bearing of a mature artist. Born in Pittsburgh to a prominent AME bishop, Tanner studied under Thomas Eakins before moving to Paris in 1891, where he built an international reputation. His work ranged from intimate portraiture to ambitious historical compositions, earning him medals at major salons. This drawing demonstrates the graphic clarity Tanner maintained across his practice, whether in formal oils or quick studies.