Painter Henry Tanner's Work On Display At Pennsylvania Academy Of Fine Arts
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Renowned 19th century painter Henry Ossawa Tanner's work is being showcased at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
This gifted African-American painter, born and raised in North Philadelphia and trained by Thomas Eakins, had to move to France to make a living as an artist.
Anna Marley, curator of historical American art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, explains the significance of the Tanner exhibition, particularly "The Resurrection of Lazarus," which she says is the painting that made him a star.
"When this painting won the prize in Paris, the New York Times (and) the Chicago Tribune celebrated and reproduced this painting. So to have this back here with all of these objects from all over the country, telling these beautiful stories from the Bible -- it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see them together," she says.
It took three years of work for Marley to get this exhibit together.
"It's a lot of fundraising, a lot of negotiating, a lot of begging and pleading, and a lot of traveling." But, she adds, "it's really all worth it in the end."
The exhibit opens Saturday to the public. CLICK HERE for more information.
