Oil on canvas (lined), signed and dated "L. Espy 1857" at lower left, presented in a later frame.

DOA 30.5 x 36 in.

Private Collection, Wilmington, North Carolina

This is a 19th century hand-painted copy of Johnson's most famous work, now in the collection of the New York Historical Society. The painting was originally exhibited at the National Academy in April 1859 as Negro Life at the South, but by 1867 was popularly called Old Kentucky Home with a title taken from Stephen Foster's beloved song. Johnson most likely began his work on this painting in 1858, and the setting was the backyard of his father's house in Washington, D.C.

Minor rubbing to frame.