Joshua Johnston, also known as Joshua Johnson, was a prominent African American portrait painter during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born around 1765 in either Maryland or West Africa, Johnston was a self-taught artist who became known for his skillful and realistic portraits of prominent figures in Baltimore and the surrounding area.

Johnston is considered the first African American to work as a professional portrait artist in the United States. Despite facing racial prejudice and limited opportunities for Black artists during that time, Johnston managed to establish a successful career by painting portraits for wealthy white clients, including politicians, merchants, and socialites.

His work often featured vibrant colors, intricate details, and a keen sense of capturing the likeness and personality of his subjects. Johnston's portraits are now highly valued for their historical significance and artistic merit. Some of his notable works include portraits of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, the sister-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Although much of Johnston's life remains a mystery, his contributions to the art world and his pioneering role as a Black artist have earned him a lasting legacy in Black history.