Mr. Baylor 1805

This is a portrait of Mr. Baylor, painted by Joshua Johnson, America's first recognized professional African American painter. Johnson worked with oil on canvas, materials that were becoming increasingly accessible in the late 18th and early 19th centuries due to expanding trade networks. The evenness of the paint application suggests a careful, methodical approach. Look closely at the detailing in his face, captured with precision. The tools of literacy - pen, paper, and inkwell - are included to suggest Mr. Baylor’s status and intellect. Johnson painted many portraits of middle-class families in Baltimore. These paintings are valuable social documents, demonstrating how certain segments of the population achieved prosperity during this period. Considering Johnson's own background, these works also speak to the complex dynamics of race, labor, and representation in early American society. By paying attention to the material and social context of this portrait, we gain a richer understanding of both the artist and his sitter, blurring the boundaries between art and craft.