Joshua Johnston, also known as Joshua Johnson, was a prominent African American portrait painter from the early 19th century. He is considered the first known African American artist to work in the United States. Johnston's exact birthdate and birthplace are not known, but it is believed he was born around 1765 in either Maryland or West Africa.

Johnston began his career as a portrait painter in Baltimore, Maryland, around 1796. Despite facing significant racial discrimination and restrictions due to his African American heritage, Johnston gained a reputation for his skillful portraiture. He primarily painted portraits of middle-class and upper-class clients, including prominent politicians, merchants, and other individuals of influence.

Johnston's portraits are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, soft color palette, and expressive depictions of his subjects. While he did not receive formal artistic training, Johnston's natural talent and dedication to his craft allowed him to establish a successful career as a portrait painter in a challenging socio-political environment.

Although Johnston's legacy was largely overlooked and overshadowed by his white contemporaries during his lifetime, his work has received greater recognition and appreciation in recent years. Today, Joshua Johnston is celebrated as a pioneering figure in African American art history and a trailblazer for future generations of Black artists.