Beauford Delaney (1901–1979) was a pioneering American modernist known for his expressive use of color and light. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Delaney rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance, painting portraits, street scenes, and later, vibrant abstractions. A mentor and close friend of writer James Baldwin, Delaney often explored themes of identity, spirituality, and artistic freedom. In midlife, he relocated to Paris, where he found greater acceptance and artistic growth. His bold, luminous style—often infused with emotional depth—left a lasting mark on 20th-century American art. The Chrysler Museum of Art holds Delaney’s powerful Portrait of James Baldwin, a testament to their enduring creative bond.