Joseph Wesley Harper, Jr. c. 1885

This oil on canvas portrait, painted by Eastman Johnson in c. 1885, depicts Joseph Wesley Harper, Jr. The work captures Harper in a simple, intimate setting, emphasizing his distinguished features and the careful brushstrokes that define his beard and the folds of his jacket. This portrait, created in Johnson's later years, showcases his mastery of depicting the human figure with both realism and sensitivity. The use of a dark background against Harper's light skin tone creates a dramatic visual contrast. This work is a testament to Johnson’s skill in capturing the individual character of his subjects through meticulous detail and a refined sense of composition.