St. Luke c. 1869 - 1873

Edward Mitchell Bannister likely painted this expressive head of St. Luke with oil on canvas. It's a study, seemingly made from life. The density of the medium, oil paint, allows Bannister to build layer upon layer to model the saint's face and beard. It would have taken significant technical skill and attention to detail to achieve the subtle gradations of light and shadow, to create a sense of volume and weight. Look closely, and you’ll see how the application of paint varies, with smoother areas contrasting more textured strokes. Bannister, an African American artist, understood the importance of mastering technique. In his time, this kind of representational skill was absolutely essential if black artists were to gain recognition. This painting therefore signifies not just a likeness, but also a determined statement of purpose. Bannister's command of the oil medium and his mastery of academic technique challenge any preconceptions about who gets to participate in the fine arts.