Joshua Johnson ~ Biography & Gallery
Header Painting: Mrs. Abraham White, Jr. and Daughter Rose by Joshia Johnson
© The Estate of Joshua Johnson
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Joshua Johnson ~ Biography
Known as: Folk and naïve (primitive) artist
Born: near Baltimore, MD, c.1765
Died: Baltimore, MD, c.1830
Joshua Johnson was America's first professionally active African-American artist. Fragmentary biographical records indicate that Johnson was a freeman and portraitist in Baltimore at least as early as 1796. He may have learned his trade by association with the family of Charles Willson Peale, to whom he may have been earlier indentured or enslaved, but then again he may not. He may have been an independent artist, the free son of a white man and a black slave. And he may have supplemented his portrait practice by decorating furniture.
May have been seems to be the key phrase with Johnson. We can only be certain in our uncertainty.
Johnson's 1798 claim to be "a self-taught genius," who "experienced many insuperable obstacles in the pursuit of his studies," may be read as testimony to his confidence and endurance in a society still contending with slavery and racial discrimination.
Joshua Johnson ~ Gallery
Joshua Johnson
Edward and Sarah Rutter, ca. 1805
Oil on canvas
Joshua Johnson Fine Art Prints @ amazon.com (direct link)
© Estate of Joshua Johnson
Joshua Johnson
Mrs. Abraham White, Jr. and Daughter Rose
Joshua Johnson Fine Art Prints @ amazon.com (direct link)
© Estate of Joshua Johnson
Joshua Johnson
Mrs. John Moale (Ellin North) and Ellin North Moale
Joshua Johnson Fine Art Prints @ amazon.com (direct link)
© Estate of Joshua Johnson
Joshua Johnson
Portrait of an African American Man
Joshua Johnson Fine Art Prints @ amazon.com (direct link)
© Estate of Joshua Johnson
Links
Joshua Johnson: Short Biography >> Gallery >> Joshua Johnson prints and more @ ebay.com (direct link to items) >> Advertise >> Joshua Johnson Books available @ amazon.com
