The Banjo Lesson

"The Banjo Lesson," painted by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1893, depicts an intimate moment between an elderly man teaching a young boy to play the banjo, reflecting themes of African American life and cultural heritage. Its acquisition by major institutions, including the Hampton University Museum, has significantly influenced the representation of African American artists in American art history, highlighting Tanner's role in the broader narrative of racial identity and artistic expression in the late 19th century.

"The Banjo Lesson," painted by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1893, depicts an intimate scene of an elderly African American man teaching a young boy to play the banjo, set against a dimly lit interior that emphasizes the figures' expressions and gestures. The composition is characterized by a warm palette of browns and golds, with a strong use of chiaroscuro that highlights the textures of the subjects' clothing and the banjo, creating a sense of depth and emotional resonance.