Rediscovery of Joshua Johnson: America's First Black Professional Artist
Joshua Johnson, recognized as America's first Black professional artist, has gained renewed attention for his contributions to early American art. Born into slavery in the 1760s in Baltimore, Maryland, Johnson was freed in 1782 and later emerged as a prominent portrait painter. His works, primarily depicting Maryland's upper class, were rediscovered in the 1930s and further researched in the 1990s. Johnson's style, characterized by detailed renderings and minimalistic backgrounds, reflects the artistic norms of his time. His portraits offer a unique glimpse into the social dynamics of early America, particularly the interactions between free Black individuals and the slave-owning elite. 
