John Jacob Anderson and Sons, John and Edward 1815

This portrait, painted by Joshua Johnson in 1815, depicts John Jacob Anderson and his two sons, John and Edward. Johnson, a prominent African American artist, captures the family in a formal pose, highlighting their social standing. The father is dressed in a black coat and white vest, while his sons wear matching blue jackets with white collars. The composition and details suggest a prosperous family portrait, typical of the Federal period. Johnson's work is an important example of early American portraiture and a testament to the artistic talent of African Americans in the early 19th century.