The artwork titled “Mr. Baylor” was created by Joshua Johnson in 1805. It falls within the art movement of Naïve Art, also known as Primitivism, and belongs to the portrait genre. The painting showcases the artist’s interpretation of the subject with a distinctive lack of formal training typical of this art movement.
The composition features a man who is poised and dignified, dressed in a black coat buttoned at the neck. His attire is complemented by a high white collar, adhering to the fashion of the early 19th century. The subject’s facial expression is serene and self-assured, with a slight smile and attentive eyes that engage the viewer. His left hand is shown holding a quill pen, poised above a document, suggesting that he is engaged in writing or has recently paused from doing so. The background of the portrait is plain and dark, focusing all attention on the subject, Mr. Baylor. The simplicity of the background and the meticulous detailing of the figure are characteristic features of Naïve Art.