James Jebusa Shannon (1862-1923) was a renowned portrait painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Auburn, New York, he moved to England with his family and studied at the South Kensington School of Art. Shannon's career was marked by rapid success, with his first exhibition at the Royal Academy in London at the age of 19. He became a favorite among the British aristocracy, known for his elegant and sophisticated portraits that captured the character and essence of his sitters. Shannon's style was rooted in traditional techniques, but he also incorporated modern sensibilities and a soft, painterly quality. He was a founding member of the New English Art Club and was elected a Royal Academician in 1904. Throughout his career, Shannon received widespread acclaim, with his portraits exhibited in major art capitals, including Paris and New York. Despite the rise of modernism and abstract art, Shannon remained committed to his realist principles, adaptively evolving his techniques to maintain relevance. His personal life was marked by a stable marriage and a daughter who followed in his footsteps as an artist. However, his later years were affected by declining health, and he passed away in 1923. Shannon's legacy extends beyond his paintings, with his influence evident in the work of his contemporaries and later generations of artists. His portraits continue to be admired worldwide, ensuring his place among the leading portraitists of his time. His dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the dignity and individuality of his sitters have left a lasting impact on the art world.