The Harlem Renaissance was the development of the Harlem neighborhood in New York City as a black cultural mecca in the early 20th Century and the subsequent social and artistic explosion that resulted. Lasting roughly from the 1910s through the mid-1930s, the period is considered a golden age in African American culture, manifesting in literature, music, stage performance and art.
“The Ironers” by Jacob Lawrence is one of his best scenes of Harlem life. This painting portrays three identical laundresses, each in alternating positions. They are all pressing the irons into colorful clothing that, if examined closely, matches the stripes and blocks in the background. One may have noticed that everything in the painting is basically flat except for the irons, which indeed was Jacob’s intention in order to highlight the heaviness and repetitive nature of the labor that was done.
Jacob Lawrence based many of his paintings of the Harlem Renaissance. He made a name for himself in Harlem in the 1930's. The Harlem Renaissance took place between the end of World War I and the middle of the 1930's.
Jacob Lawrence
Jacob Lawrence was a famous African American painter known for the way he portrayed African Americans and their struggles due to migration. He brought African Americans to life by using rich colors and lively illustrations. Jacob Lawrence will always be remembered as one of the most talented artist of the 20th century. His work varies from narratives of African American history to the deep down depression he once experienced.
¨Aspiration,¨ by Aaron Douglas. He developed two art styles during his career first as a traditional portraitist, then as a muralist and illustrator. Influenced by having worked with Winold Reiss, Douglas incorporated African themes into his artwork to create a connection between Africans and African Americans. His work is described as being abstract, in that he portrayed the universality of the African-American people through song, dance, imagery and poetry.
Aaron Douglas
Aaron Douglas developed two art styles during his career: first as a traditional portraitist, then as a muralist and illustrator. Influenced by having worked with Winold Reiss, Douglas incorporated African themes into his artwork to create a connection between Africans and African Americans. His work is described as being abstract, in that he portrayed the universality of the African-American people through song, dance, imagery and poetry.
If the video isn't working just go to my bookmarks it´s in there under Aaron Douglas Documentary.
Liberty Leading the People
Liberty Leading the People is a painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, which toppled King Charles X of France. [more]
Ophelia
Ophelia is a painting by British artist Sir John Everett Millais, completed between 1851 and 1852. It depicts Ophelia, a character from Hamlet, singing before she drowns in a river in Denmark. [more]
The Music Lesson
The Music Lesson or Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman by Jan Vermeer, is a painting of young female pupil receiving the titular music lesson. [more]
