Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859–1937) was the first African-American painter to gain international fame. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died in Paris where he passed the most of his life.

He was a full academician of the National Academy of Design—becoming the first African-American to ever receive the distinction.

He is best known for the paintings “Nicodemus Visiting Jesus,” “The Banjo Lesson” and “The Thankful Poor.”