Born May 26, 1899

Topeka, Kansas

Died February 22, 1979

Nashville, Tennessee

American painter, illustrator, and educator

Aaron Douglas's distinctive artistic style brought the Harlem Renaissance to life on magazine covers, book jackets, and murals.

One of the most notable figures in African American art, Aaron Douglas was especially active during the Harlem Renaissance, and he is often referred to as the period's "official artist." His distinctive style of geometric symbolism (featuring flat silhouettes of human figures, muted colors, and images that are symbolic, not realistic) may be seen on many magazine covers, book illustrations and dustcovers, and advertisements from the Harlem Renaissance. Douglas also painted some impressive murals (large-scale paintings, often mounted in public places) that display his unique blend of African and modernist techniques and his interest in including elements of African American history, religion, myth, and social issues in his works. Before Douglas, no African American artist...