Kansas City, Kansas
Medium
Painting
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Robbins
Accession Number
1983.95.29
Tags
Art Historical Context
Henry Ossawa Tanner's *Kansas City, Kansas*1897) offers a captivating glimpse into late 19th-century American life. As one of the first African American artists to achieve international recognition, Tanner painted this work during a transitional phase in his career, just before his move to Paris solidified his reputation for luminous biblical scenes. Capturing the vibrant energy of Kansas City, Kansas—a booming railroad hub on the Missouri River—this painting reflects Tanner's early focus on realistic American landscapes and cityscapes. Rendered in oil on canvas, the artwork showcases Tanner'...