This ever-expanding reference list provides background on a diverse spectrum of illustrators across time, cultures, and artistic styles.
Thomas Blackshear
Illustrator of iconic portraits of African American heroes, angels, and movie stars.
Jean Cunningham
Fashion illustrator who worked with designer Nettie Rosenstein in the 1950s, and continued through the 1980s as a freelance illustrator.
Malvin Gray Johnson
Painter who reimagined the African-American spiritual, and depicted Harlem street scenes.
Norman Lewis
As one of the few African American Abstract Expressionists, Lewis’ work headlined the Harlem art scene.
J.C. Leyendecker
J.C. Leyendecker rose to fame as the creator of elegant artworks for mass publication.
Neysa McMein
Created many cover illustrations and pastel drawings of strong, spirited, healthy American women.
Archibald Motley, Jr.
A Harlem Renaissance artist who addressed African American life and his own multiracial background.
Coles Phillips
Successful illustrator who portrayed romantic femininity using a distinctive technique called “fade-away.”
