Phillis Wheatley’s Story

1665

Unknown

This reproduction of a historical map shows the continent of Africa, along with small illustrations representing the people of the various regions.

Historic Urban Plans, Inc., Ithaca, NY.

c. 1737

John Carwitham (British, active ca. 1723–41)

The city of Boston as it appeared prior to Phillis Wheatley's arrival.

Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps, Inc.

1773

Unknown, after Scipio Moorhead (American, c. 1750–unknown)

Phillis Wheatley's portrait appears in a collection of her poems.

September 1, 1772

Phillis Wheatley (American, born West Africa, c. 1753–1784)

Phillis Wheatley's poem on a death of a young child, in her own handwriting.

1752/3-1756

Pompeo Batoni (Italian, 1708-1787)

Phillis Wheatley met the Earl of Dartmouth in England and, later, addressed a poem to him that became one of her best-known pieces.

Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth: Purchased through gifts from Jame and W. David Dance, Class of 1940; Jonathon L. Cohen, Class of 1960, Tuck 1961; Frederick B. Whittemore, Class of 1953, Tuck, 1954; Barbara Dau Southwell, Class of 1978 and David Southwell, Tuck 1988; Parnassus Foundation/Jane and Raphael Bernstein; and an anonymous donor.

18 October 1773

Phillis Wheatley (American, born West Africa, c. 1753-1784)

Phillis Wheatley's signature on a letter that describes her manumission from John Wheatley, her visit to London and sales of her book of poems.

September 1, 1772

Phillis Wheatley (American, born West Africa, c. 1753–1784)

Phillis Wheatley's poem on a death of a young child, in her own handwriting.

2003

Meredith Bergmann (American, active 1978–current)

Phillis Wheatley's likeness appears as part of the Boston Women's Memorial, along with samples of her published writing.

Jorge Salcedo / Shutterstock.com.

2003

Meredith Bergmann (American, active 1978–current)

Phillis Wheatley's likeness appears as part of the Boston Women's Memorial, along with samples of her published writing.

Jorge Salcedo / Shutterstock.com.