Final answer:
Henry Ossawa Tanner is considered important for his impact on the art world and cultural representation, challenging stereotypes and depicting African-Americans with sensitivity and humanity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry Ossawa Tanner is considered important due to his impact on the art world and cultural representation. As an African-American artist, Tanner faced racism and rejection in the United States, which led him to move to Paris where he studied the new Realism painters and gained acceptance among French artistic circles.
His works, including religious subjects and domestic interiors, challenged stereotypes and depicted African-Americans with sensitivity and humanity at a time when racist depictions were prevalent. Tanner's talent and contributions to art helped pave the way for future generations of African-American artists.