Joshua Johnson
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Charles Bird King's Joshua Johnson into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
The portrait Joshua Johnson by Charles Bird King exudes quiet dignity through its meticulous neoclassical styling. Painted circa 1820, this half-length depiction of America’s earliest documented professional Black artist captures Johnson’s composed demeanor—his direct gaze and crisply rendered attire reflecting both his artisan status and King’s exacting technique. King, renowned for his portraits of Indigenous leaders and prominent figures, here immortalizes Johnson against a warm umber background, a choice that amplifies the sitter’s three-dimensional presence while nodding to European academic traditions. The restrained palette and precise brushwork align with Federal-era portraiture, yet the work’s historical significance transcends aesthetics: as a rare early representation of a Black artist painted by a white peer, it quietly challenges period conventions. Today, the piece resides at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, serving as a pivotal document of early American art’s intersecting social and artistic narratives.
For interior settings, this portrait’s warm earth tones and formal elegance make it ideal for study rooms or traditional offices. Choose a gilded neoclassical frame to echo its historical gravitas, and hang it at eye level (standard 57–60 inches from the floor) beside walnut bookshelves or a leather-bound desk to reinforce scholarly sophistication. In modern spaces, pair it with deep navy or olive walls to highlight its muted ochre backdrop, ensuring the 30×25 inch (approximate) canvas remains the focal point. For galleries or reception areas, group it with other 19th-century portraits in analogous sizes to create a curated “salon wall” effect, maintaining 2–3 inches between frames. Its contemplative mood suits spaces prioritizing heritage and discourse—avoid overcrowding with bold abstractions, but consider muted brass lighting fixtures to subtly harmonize with its golden undertones.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
