On November 7, 1876, Edward Mitchell Bannister became the first Black artist to receive wide critical acclaim when he was awarded a first-prize medal at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition for his painting, “Under the Oak.”

Bannister, a self-taught African American artist, specialized in landscape paintings influenced by the Hudson River School and the Barbizon movement. His award-winning painting was recognized for its beauty and technique, but when judges discovered Bannister was Black, they attempted to revoke his award. However, due to public outcry, he was allowed to keep it.

Despite racism in the art world, Bannister became a prominent painter and co-founded the Providence Art Club in Rhode Island, which still exists today. His legacy paved the way for future Black artists in America.

His story remains an inspiration for overcoming barriers in the arts. ??