Final answer:
Henry Ossawa Tanner was a pioneering African-American artist who, facing racial discrimination in America, moved to Paris and became internationally acclaimed for his religious and domestic scenes paintings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry Ossawa Tanner was an influential African-American artist known for his exceptional works and overcoming the racial barriers of his time. He was notable for being the first African-American student at the Academy of Arts in Pennsylvania and later moved to Paris to escape the racism he faced in America. Tanner's works often contained religious themes and domestic scenes, such as his acclaimed work featuring an older black man teaching a child to play the banjo, which stood in stark contrast to the racist stereotypes prevalent during the era.
Tanner's experience with racism led him to Paris, where he was accepted into French artistic circles, allowing his talent to flourish unaffected by the racial prejudices of America. During his career, Tanner earned one of France's highest honors, the Legion of Honor. Likewise, his paintings of American life and religious subjects continue to resonate and influence artists even in contemporary times.