Born in 1905 in Philadelphia, Humbert Howard was a prominent African-American artist known for his integrationist approach to art. Educated at Howard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Barnes Foundation, he later served as the art director of the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia. His role in breaking down traditional artistic boundaries between black and white artists was notable during his tenure, where he curated exhibitions featuring works from both communities.
In the late fifties, Howard’s involvement with the Pyramid Club diminished due to changing politics within the organization. Subsequently, he pursued studies at the Barnes Foundation until 1961, profoundly impacting his artistic style with increased exaggeration, distortion, and abstraction of forms.
Despite achieving success as an artist, Howard worked as a mail carrier to support his passion for food. Upon retiring in 1971, he had garnered a dedicated following among collectors and dealers in Philadelphia. In the eighties, he engaged with the local art scene and earned the title “dean of Philadelphia’s black artists.” Hosting meetings of the National Conference of Black Artists, he became a mentor to emerging black artists.
Humbert Howard passed away in 1990, leaving a legacy as a painter who shared his emotions through art. Described as the “kindest friend” in the art world by Ernest Berry, a longtime friend and collector, Howard’s paintings are now part of the permanent collections at institutions such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Museum of the Philadelphia Civic Center, and the Philadelphia Afro-American Museum.