Continuing our This Day in Black Art History series, we take a moment to reflect on the words of Horace Pippin:

“The pictures come to me in my mind, and if to me it is a worthwhile picture, I paint it… when I am ready to paint it, I have all the details I need.”

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Pippin’s words affirm a creative practice grounded in interior vision and self-trust — a reminder that artistic authority begins within.

Art Note I:

In his 1944 Self-Portrait, Pippin depicts himself seated before his canvas, brush in hand, meeting the viewer with a steady, composed gaze. The interior setting — darkened walls, patterned curtain, and visible easel — frames a disciplined creative environment. The painting mirrors his statement: the image originates internally, complete in thought before execution. His posture and expression convey assurance, underscoring his belief that artistic authority begins within the artist. The image is presented as a public domain reproduction via WikiArt.

Citation (Chicago, Notes & Bibliography):
Pippin, Horace. Self-Portrait. 1944. Oil on canvas. Public domain image. https://www.wikiart.org/en/horace-pippin/self-portrait-1944.

Art Note II (Cover Image):

Domino Players (1943) by Horace Pippin depicts a moment of quiet intimacy and social ritual in African American family life. In this oil on fiberboard painting, Pippin captures a group gathered around a game of dominoes, emphasizing close physical proximity and shared focus that suggest both leisure and connection. The composition’s subdued palette, attention to everyday detail, and balanced forms reflect his ability to elevate ordinary scenes into nuanced studies of community and presence. The work is held by The Phillips Collection and stands as a testament to Pippin’s commitment to depicting Black domestic life with dignity and depth.

Citation (Chicago, Notes & Bibliography):
Pippin, Horace. Domino Players. 1943. Oil on fiberboard, 12 ¾ × 22 in. The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. https://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/domino-players.

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Annotation — ART | library deco Series
“This Day in Black Art History” is an educational editorial series by ART | library deco highlighting moments where Black art, archives, and cultural memory intersect. Each entry reflects the role of artists and cultural workers in shaping the visual record of Black history while connecting historical artworks to contemporary archival practice.