Henry Ossawa Tanner: The Annunciation, 1898
Listen to the Story: 5 minutes
Audio-only: (best on mobile)
Description:
Henry Ossawa Tanner, who was one of the most accomplished African-American artists of his day, is celebrated for his depictions of biblical subjects using a modernist visual language. This video explores how Henry Ossawa Tanner’s 1898 painting The Annunciation visualizes the Virgin Mary in a moment of spiritual transformation. Developing a visual method that unites realism and mystery, this painting makes the annunciation more immediate and intimate for the modern viewer. Written and narrated by Dr. James Romaine. This video may contain advertisement placed there by the copyright holders of Mahalia Jackson’s music. Please support her beautiful music.
"The Annunciation"
"Study for the Annunciation, ca. 1898"