Henry Ossawa Tanner - Later Years

Later Years

During World War I, Tanner worked for the Red Cross Public Information Department, at which time he also painted images from the front lines of the war. In 1923 the French state made him a knight of the Legion of Honour for his work as an artist.

Tanner met with fellow African American artist Palmer Hayden in Paris circa 1927, discussing both artistic technique and providing Hayden advice on interacting with French society.

Several of Tanner's paintings were purchased by Atlanta art collector J. J. Haverty, who founded Haverty Furniture Co. and was instrumental in establishing the High Museum of Art. Tanner's "Etaples Fisher Folk" is among several paintings from the Haverty collection now in the High Museum's permanent collection.

Tanner died peacefully in Paris, France on May 25, 1937.