One of the most prestigious African American artists of the 19th century, Bannister was known for his landscapes inspired by Hudson River School and Barbizon painters. After a variety of jobs, including hand-painting daguerreotypes, Bannister settled in Boston. He pursued a career as a painter, moving to Providence in 1870. He received a first prize for Under the Oaks (now lost) at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Yet, he also was known to have painted portraits. This example recalling such late 19^th century painters as John Singer Sargent may be from the end of his life and reveals the sitter’s interior state.