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The Savior
ca. 1900-1905
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1859
Died: Paris, France 1937
oil on canvas mounted to plywood
29 1/8 x 21 3/4 in. (73.9 x 55.3 cm)
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Robbins
1983.95.191
Smithsonian American Art Museum
3rd Floor, Luce Foundation Center
The story of Christ’s crucifixion occupied Henry Ossawa Tanner’s mind throughout his career. The Savior shows Jesus meditating as he waits for his crown of thorns and purple robe, in which he would be mocked as the “King of the Jews.” Tanner portrayed him as a real person in contemplation and prayer rather than as an idealized figure. But the yellow color in his face and outlining his profile is like a glowing light that suggests Christ’s uniqueness as a spiritual being, able to transcend flesh and blood.
For more information about this work visit the Luce Foundation Center.
Keywords
Portrait male - Christ
Religion - New Testament - Christ
painting
paint - oil
fabric - canvas
wood - plywood
About Henry Ossawa Tanner
Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1859 Died: Paris, France 1937
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