African American Masters by Gwen Everett

Porter sought to conduct his research at the Harlem branch of the New York Public Library (presently known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture). This omission prompted him to further research other African-American artists who, like Duncanson, were also neglected. His works and contributions had been obscured, practically omitted, from history. Duncanson, an accomplished African-American artist who lived during the Civil War period. His time in New York City was primarily spent undergoing research to create. While at the Art Student League, Porter studied with the renowned painter, Dimitri Romanovsky and at the Institut d’Art et d’Archeologie, he researched medieval archeology. Porter received his Certificat de Presence from the Institut d’Art et d’Archeologie in 1935 and earned his Master of Arts in art history from New York University in 1937.

His opportunity to study at the Institut in 1935 was made possible from a fellowship of the Institute of International Education. Throughout his life, Porter continued to grow in learning, taking courses at Teachers College at Columbia University in the City of New York, the Art Student League in New York City, and the Institut d’Art et d’Archeologie, at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. Afterward, his art would be shown in solo and group exhibitions, domestically and internationally. Porter submitted a painting of his to be shown it was the first time his work was featured in a major exhibition. Porter is sourced from Pinterest ( No copyright infringement intended). He was immediately hired to join its faculty to teach drawing and painting. Porter earned his Bachelor of Science degree, graduating with honors from Howard. Underneath the tutelage and mentoring of Herring, Porter entered Howard University in 1923 to study art history, drawing and painting. His efforts in education and art were admired by James Herring, who headed the art department at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. During that time, he had become interested in art, significantly painting, which was introduced to him by his older brother, John. The youngest of eight children, he matriculated schools in Washington D.C., graduating at the top of his class from Armstrong Manual Training School in 1923. His father, a minister, was prominent in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and his mother, an educator, worked within the segregated public-school system. His parents were professionals who held significant status in their community. On December 22, 1905, in Baltimore, Maryland, James Amos Porter was born to John and Lydia Porter. He is recognized as the first African American art historian his 1943 publication Modern Negro Art, is the earliest comprehensive treatment of the contributions of artists of African descent to American art and culture.” “The multi-talented (James A.) Porter was an artist, scholar, educator, and mentor.

African American Masters by Gwen Everett