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Comparative Analysis and Reflection
Student‟s Name
Capella University
HUM-FPX1150: Cultural Understanding Global World
Instructor
Datee
, 2
Description of the Work of Art
The work of art selected is a painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner. This work of art is
known as „The Thankful Poor‟. It was created in the year 1894 by using oil on canvas. The paint
was created when the black people in the Southern part of the United States were struggling
(Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, n.d.). It shows an elderly black man and young black boy
seated at the table, with their heads bowed down as though they are praying before eating the
meal before them.
What is depicted in the Art of Work?
The artwork depicts and represents a normal family that is grateful despite the little they
have. The two are presumed to be in prayer and before them is a set table with two empty plates
and one with some food three cups and what looks like a kettle. The name of the artwork reveals
that it represents a poor family that is thankful for what they have. This is a realistic scenerio that
occurs in many families today.
What the Artwork Expresses
The artwork expresses a couple of things. The first thing expressed is the feeling of
gratitude. The painting shows an almost empty table with an elderly man and young boy bowing
down in prayer and gratitude for the little they have. This gives one the reason to be grateful for
what is there. Most of the times, we are not grateful even when we have plenty. However this
artwork gives that feeling of gratitude. The second feeling expressed in this artwork is hope. The
boy is hopeful that his grandfather or the elderly man will offer him something on his plate and
the elderly man is hopeful for more in future. This is noted by the bowing down in prayer and the
light coming through the window that may signify more blessings from God. The artist uses dull
color, shades and lines on the clothes to show poverty. However, even in the midst of their
Comparative Analysis and Reflection
Student‟s Name
Capella University
HUM-FPX1150: Cultural Understanding Global World
Instructor
Datee
, 2
Description of the Work of Art
The work of art selected is a painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner. This work of art is
known as „The Thankful Poor‟. It was created in the year 1894 by using oil on canvas. The paint
was created when the black people in the Southern part of the United States were struggling
(Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, n.d.). It shows an elderly black man and young black boy
seated at the table, with their heads bowed down as though they are praying before eating the
meal before them.
What is depicted in the Art of Work?
The artwork depicts and represents a normal family that is grateful despite the little they
have. The two are presumed to be in prayer and before them is a set table with two empty plates
and one with some food three cups and what looks like a kettle. The name of the artwork reveals
that it represents a poor family that is thankful for what they have. This is a realistic scenerio that
occurs in many families today.
What the Artwork Expresses
The artwork expresses a couple of things. The first thing expressed is the feeling of
gratitude. The painting shows an almost empty table with an elderly man and young boy bowing
down in prayer and gratitude for the little they have. This gives one the reason to be grateful for
what is there. Most of the times, we are not grateful even when we have plenty. However this
artwork gives that feeling of gratitude. The second feeling expressed in this artwork is hope. The
boy is hopeful that his grandfather or the elderly man will offer him something on his plate and
the elderly man is hopeful for more in future. This is noted by the bowing down in prayer and the
light coming through the window that may signify more blessings from God. The artist uses dull
color, shades and lines on the clothes to show poverty. However, even in the midst of their
