Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Savior, ca. 1900-1905, 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
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Artwork Details
- Title
- The Savior
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1900-1905
- Location
- Dimensions
- 29 1⁄8 x 21 3⁄4 in. (73.9 x 55.3 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Robbins
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas mounted to plywood
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Portrait male — Christ
- Religion — New Testament — Christ
- Object Number
- 1983.95.191
Artwork Description
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.
