Palmer Hayden - The Janitor Who Paints [c.1930]

Palmer C. Hayden (January 15, 1890 – February 18, 1973) was an American painter who depicted African American life. He painted in both oils and watercolours, and was a prolific artist of his era. Much of Hayden's influences came from the environment around him. He enjoyed painting, and used his time in Paris for inspiration. Over his next five years in Paris, Hayden was very productive, trying to capture elements of Parisian society. On his return to America, Hayden began working for the United States government. Much of Hayden’s work after Paris focused on the African American experience. He tried to capture both rural life in the, as well as urban backgrounds in New York City. Many of these urban paintings were centred in Harlem.

[Oil on canvas, 99.3 x 83.6 cm]