Edward Mitchell Bannister (attributed) (New England, 1828-1901) Untitled (Boat Scene) Oil on academy board 9" x 24 1/2" An untitled oil of a man pushing his boat out to sea. According to Anne Louise Avery, leading EM Bannister scholar and author of the artist's forthcoming catalogue raisonne, the painting's uniquely bearded subject is possibly Judge George Newman Bliss (1837-1928), Bannister's good friend and sailing companion, or even Bannister himself. Edward Mitchell Bannister was among the most prominent and celebrated Black American artists of the late 19th century; the medal that he won for a painting entered into the 1876 World Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia has been described the first time an African American had ever won a national award for his artwork. Though not formally trained, Bannister painted in the Barbizon School fashion, and found great popularity during his life. He co-founded the Providence Art Club in 1880. Signed to the bottom right, and presented in an antique frame that measures 12 1/2" x 28". Provenance: A private Texas collection, thence from a private estate in Delaware which held another Bannister work sold through Newport's Roger King Gallery. Though the provenance is incomplete, it is the opinion of leading Bannister scholarship that the painting's style and subject are consistent with those executed by the artist's hand, and that this oil is "very likely a Bannister." Good condition. There is a coat of grime accumulated on the surface of the painting, which could use a cleaning. A few ~1/8" spots across the surface of the paint layer. No in-painting or repairs visible under blacklight inspection.