The Harlem Renaissance at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jockey Club by Archibald J. Motley Jr

I would guess that when most people think of the Harlem Renaissance, they think of writers and musicians. The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism (through July 28), the current show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a reminder that there was also an abundance of artists producing paintings, sculpture and other examples of fine art.

Langston Hughes by Winold Reiss

James Weldon Johnson by Laura Wheeler Waring

This is probably the largest (160 pieces) and most comprehensive collection of works produced by African American artists of that era. It includes artists from across the United States, and many who were working in Europe. One thing that comes across is the wide variety of styles that was being produced. From “primitive” to realist, from impressionist to cubist, the art here is as varied and as good as art that was being produced around the world.

The Photographer by Jacob Lawrence

Tea Time at Madame C. J. Walker's by James Van Der Zee

Cocktails by Archibald J. Motley Jr

Pool Parlor by Jacob Lawrence

Nightlife by Archibald J. Motley Jr

Parade Harlem by James Van Der Zee

Lift Every Voice and Sing (The Harp) by Augusta Savage

Poster for the first salon by the Société des Artistes Antilles by Germaine Casse

Women in Blue by William H Johnson

Girl in Blue Dress by Samuel Joseph Brown

Building More Stately Mansions by Aaron Douglas

The Artist's Wife (L) and Self-Portrait (R) by Horace Pippin

W.E.B. Du Boise by Winold Reiss

Fred Fripp by Winold Reiss

Mr. and Mrs. Barton by John N. Robinson

Mother and Daughter by Laura Wheeler Waring

Scottsboro Boys by Aaron Douglas