Jacob Lawrence
A Life Painted in Story: The World of Jacob Lawrence Jacob Armstead Lawrence, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1917, emerged as one of the most significant American artists of the 20th century. His life story is intrinsically woven into his art—a powerful narrative shaped by the realities of being African-American during a period of profound social change. Following his parents’ divorce in 1924, Lawrence experienced a childhood m…
The Lifeline
Scroll through Jacob Lawrence's working life — artwork by artwork, chapter by chapter — from the earliest dated work to the last. Each thumbnail is pinned at its exact year on the gold axis.
Chapters — Career Periods
The ribbon is divided into shaded bands, one per career chapter. Each chapter groups Jacob Lawrence's works by their historical period — early training, mature practice, final years.
Thumbnails — Dated Works
Every thumbnail is pinned at its precise creation year. A thin gold thread drops from the image to its exact point on the axis. Larger frames mark the artist's masterpieces by rank.
Colour Band — Movement Drift
The gradient bar beneath the axis shifts colour as the dominant art movement changes over time — from the warm golds of the early period through the deeper tones of maturity. It fills progressively as you scroll.
