The artwork, titled “PORTRAIT OF ELISHA STANSBURY,” was created by artist Joshua Johnson and belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It falls within the genre of portraiture, capturing a detailed image of the subject, Elisha Stansbury.
The artwork depicts a gentleman seated with a composed demeanor, dressed in formal attire typical of the period. He is seen wearing a dark coat with a white cravat, suggesting an air of sophistication and gentility. The subject holds a piece of paper in his hand, while a book rests on the table beside him. The background is plain, ensuring that the focus remains on the figure. The subtle nuances in the painting highlight Johnson’s attention to detail and the distinct style characteristic of Naïve Art, where simplicity and directness are emphasized despite the absence of formal artistic training.