Rare Late 18th / Early 19th Century Portrait Oil Painting attributed to Joshua Johnson (born circa 1763, active 1796–1824). Oil on wood panel. Depicts a sleepy (yawning) child dressed in a period 18th c. cap and gown sleepwear standing inside a house at night holding a lit candle. Housed in a period gold gilt carved wood frame. Approx. Size: 18" H x 12.5" W. Joshua Johnson was an American portrait painter believed to be one of the first African American artists to gain recognition. Born around 1763, Johnson is believed to have been born into slavery in Maryland. Provenance and condition reports available upon request.