The Annunciation (1898)

The Annunciation (1898) by Henry Ossawa Tanner

The Annunciation, painted in 1898 by Henry Ossawa Tanner, is a significant work in the artist's oeuvre, executed in oil on canvas. This painting is renowned for its innovative depiction of the biblical scene, where Tanner employs a subdued color palette and a focus on the emotional gravity of the moment. The work is notable for its departure from traditional representations, emphasizing a more personal and introspective interpretation of the Annunciation.

Henry Ossawa Tanner, an African American artist, was born in 1859 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the first African American painter to gain international acclaim, and his work often reflects his deep religious faith and experiences of racial discrimination. Tanner's time in Paris, where he moved in 1891, greatly influenced his style, allowing him to escape the racial prejudices of America and immerse himself in the European art scene. The Annunciation is a testament to Tanner's mastery of light and shadow, as well as his ability to convey profound spiritual themes through his art.

The Annunciation (1898) by Henry Ossawa Tanner is an oil on canvas painting that depicts the biblical scene of the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive the Son of God. The work is noted for its use of light and shadow, reflecting Tanner's interest in realism and his ability to convey spiritual themes through a subdued, yet evocative palette.