The artwork titled “Benjamin Franklin Yoe and Son,” created by Joshua Johnson in 1810, belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is a portrait genre piece. This formal depiction provides a glimpse into early nineteenth-century American portraiture.
In the artwork, a man and a young boy are seated together, conveying a sense of familial bond and serenity. The older figure, presumably the father, is dressed in formal attire, including a black overcoat and white shirt with a high collar. His expression is composed, presenting an aura of dignified calm. The younger boy, presumably his son, is dressed in a blue suit with a white collar, which features delicate ruffles. He holds onto a flower, symbolizing perhaps innocence or the passage of time. The background is plain, accentuating the focus on the subjects, while their expressions and postures evoke a tender paternal connection. The artist’s technique is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a straightforward, sincere style typical of Naïve Art.
