Early American Literature

Abstract:

This essay argues for Phillis Wheatley and Scipio Moorhead as early contributors to the tradition of Black Ekphrasis. This essay frames "To S.M. [Scipio Moorhead], a Young African Painter, on Seeing his Works," as both an instance and a theorization of Black Ekphrasis. Wheatley's commentary leads to a consideration of the painter and poet's bond under the tyranny of slavery. By way of the Damon-Pythias myth, Wheatley links Black Ekphrasis to the collective pursuit of freedom.