Henry Ossawa Tanner Commemorative Stamp

On Sept. 10, 1973, the U.S. Postal Service issued an 8-cent commemorative stamp honoring African-American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner. The stamp was not issued in conjunction with the anniversary of any event in his life, but rather it was one of four stamps in the American Arts series issued during 1973. First day of issue ceremonies were held in Pittsburgh, Penn. [Click here to see first day cover of the Tanner stamp.]

Henry O. Tanner was born June 21, 1859 in Pittsburgh, Penn. His father was a college graduate and Methodist minister. Growing up, Henry exhibited artistic talent. At age 21, he began formal training at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Tanner moved to Georgia, where he taught art at Atlanta University and also operated a photography business. Later, he studied art in Paris at the Academie Julien, where he painted one of his most famous paintings -- Daniel in the Lions' Den. Tanner traveled to the Holy Land, where he continued to paint biblical subjects. Back in the U.S., he held a series of one-man shows and continued to gain in fame for his art. Returning to Paris, he gained great fame as an artist until his death on May 25, 1937 in Paris.

For more information on Henry O. Tanner, click here.

(c) Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

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