This ever-expanding reference list provides background on a diverse spectrum of illustrators across time, cultures, and artistic styles.
Charles Alston
A noted painter, illustrator, sculptor, teacher, and muralist whose work covered subjects of race, religion, civil rights, and everyday life in the south.
Ernie Barnes
Artist whose experience as a professional athlete helped influence the subject and flow of his work.
Romare Bearden
One of America’s foremost artists who created visual narratives inspired by African American history.
Thomas Blackshear
Illustrator of iconic portraits of African American heroes, angels, and movie stars.
Charles C. Dawson
Early 20th century illustrator who played a central role in the culture of African Americans.
Edmund Dulac
Prominent French-British artist who worked during the last years of the Golden Age of Illustration.
Albrecht Dürer
Painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and author who is considered to be the greatest artist of the German Renaissance.
Rudy Gutierrez
Artist and teacher whose focus is uplifting the viewer through abstract and emotional pieces.
Sigismund de Ivanowski
Painter and illustrator recognized for his garden scenes, cityscapes, and portraits.
Malvin Gray Johnson
Painter who reimagined the African-American spiritual and depicted Harlem street scenes.
Victor Juhasz
Prolific illustrator and visual reporter primarily known for his humorous caricatures in major magazines.
Hilary Knight
Prolific illustrator of children’s books, magazines, greeting cards, and theater posters.
Jacob Lawrence
Social realist and visual storyteller who portrayed people of color in a vibrant, geometric style.