"Untitled," Edward Mitchell Bannister, 1883.

American-Canadian painter Bannister (1828-1901) was a free-born black man who became a significant figure in African-American intellectual circles of his time, as well as being a prominent abolitionist.

He was a member of the group called the American Barbizon School, which focused mainly on peaceful, pastoral landscapes painted from the life. This style fell out of favor late in his life, and by the time he passed away he was largely forgotten. He had significant financial issues when he passed, and some noted with a bit of bitterness that after his death he was the subject of a memorial exhibition and other notoriety that he should have had while alive.

In the 60s, his work was rediscovered and reappraised, and he's now viewed as one of the great Black American artists.

From the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC.

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