Emma Van Name

Joshua Johnson

Created:
Movement:
1805
None
key Notes:
Child portraiture, Federal style
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Dimensions:
29 × 23 in. (73.7 × 58.4 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvasPainting
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Emma Van Name by Joshua Johnson

Emma Van Name, painted by Joshua Johnson in 1805, is an exemplary work of early American portraiture, executed in oil on canvas. Johnson, recognized as the first professional African American artist in the United States, was active in Baltimore, Maryland, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His portraits are noted for their clarity, attention to detail, and the dignified representation of his subjects, often capturing the burgeoning American middle class. The painting of Emma Van Name is significant for its historical context, reflecting the social and cultural milieu of the time. Johnson's work contributes to the understanding of African American artists' roles in early American art history, offering insights into the diverse narratives of the period. His legacy is marked by his ability to navigate and succeed in a predominantly white artistic community, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic and cultural significance.

Description of the work:

Emma Van Name by Joshua Johnson

The painting "Emma Van Name" by Joshua Johnson, created in 1805, is an oil on canvas work that exemplifies the American folk art style with its detailed depiction of the young girl, Emma, set against a plain background. Johnson, recognized as one of the first professional African American portrait painters, captures the innocence and poise of his subject through meticulous brushwork and a restrained color palette.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Emma Van Name