Joshua Johnston, also known as Joshua Johnson, was a prominent African American portrait painter during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into slavery in Baltimore, Maryland around 1765, Johnston eventually gained his freedom and became one of the first African American artists to achieve recognition in the United States. His portraits primarily depicted members of the American upper class, including politicians, businessmen, and their families.

Despite facing racial discrimination and limited opportunities as a Black artist, Johnston's talent and skill earned him a loyal clientele and a reputation for producing elegant and detailed portraits. His work is known for its realism and fine attention to detail, capturing the personality and likeness of his subjects.

Joshua Johnston's legacy as a pioneering African American artist continues to be celebrated today, as his contributions to American portraiture have been recognized for breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black artists.