Oak Trees

Oak Trees

This painting depicts a calm oak grove with Bannister’s characteristic atmospheric depth. Though seemingly simple, it reflects his commitment to claiming legitimate space within the landscape tradition dominated by white artists. Its inclusion highlights how Black artists engaged with, and excelled in, the formative aesthetics of early Canadian and American art. This work also closely resembles the composition of his award-winning Under the Oaks, offering a rare visual echo of the painting that achieved national recognition.

Edward Mitchell Bannister

Bannister, Edward Mitchell. Oak Trees. 1876. Oil on canvas. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC. Object no. 1969.13.6.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

1876

Public domain. Image and data courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

1969.13.6

Oil on canvas

18 x 24 in. (45.7 x 61.0 cm)