Luminism: The 19th-Century American Art Movement That Captured Light Like No Other
Luminism’s glowing light and peaceful landscapes defined 19th-century American art. Learn about its key figures and enduring impact.
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The Hudson River School: America’s First Great Art Movement
The Hudson River School’s dramatic landscapes shaped American art, with Robert S. Duncanson among its key figures.
What Is Tonalism? The Art Movement That Painted Mood and Mystery
Tonalism was a groundbreaking 19th-century art movement that focused on mood, subtle lighting, and atmospheric landscapes.
Edward Bannister: The First Black Artist to Win a National Art Award
Edward Bannister defied 19th-century racism to become the first Black artist to win a national art award. His story as a celebrated landscape painter and a pioneer for Black artists in America is one of talent and perseverance.
Jacob Lawrence: The Storyteller of Black Life in Motion
Jacob Lawrence’s art chronicled Black life, migration, and struggle with bold colors and sharp lines, creating timeless visual narratives.
Edmonia Lewis: The First Black and Native American Sculptor to Gain Fame
Edmonia Lewis overcame racism and erasure to become one of the most important Black sculptors of the 19th century. Her neoclassical works, including "Forever Free" and "The Death of Cleopatra," remain revolutionary.
Leroy Johnson: The Visual Griot of Black Urban Life
Leroy Johnson’s art transformed found materials into layered narratives of Black life, history, and survival, capturing the essence of urban existence.
Elizabeth Catlett: The Sculptor Who Amplified Black Women’s Stories
Elizabeth Catlett’s art celebrated Black strength, dignity, and activism, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Barkley Hendricks: Pioneering Black Portraiture with Style and Power
Barkley Hendricks revolutionized portraiture by celebrating Black identity with Renaissance-like reverence and modern-day swagger.
Henry Ossawa Tanner: The First Black American Artist to Gain Global Fame
Henry Ossawa Tanner shattered racial and artistic barriers, becoming the first internationally acclaimed Black painter. His legacy continues to influence artists today.