Frances L’Escott

Frances L’Escott

Henrietta Johnston
Charleston, South Carolina
1716
Pastel on paper
964
On Loan Courtesy of The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts

Henrietta Johnston is arguably the first professional artist working in early British North America. Johnston earned commissions from wealthy Charlestonians through her husband’s congregation at St. Philip’s Church. Her pastels received such great praise that members of the congregation funded her trip to Europe to replenish her pastel supplies.

Johnston was one of the few female artists working in British North America to find success. With so few artists in the colonies, colonists were limited to commissioning artists in Europe. Someone seeking a portrait of themself must first be able to afford the trip to Europe. Johnston was the first artist to make this luxury available to wealthy Charlestonians.