'To S.M., A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works' by Phillis Wheatley

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1773O show the lab'ring bosom's deep intent,
And thought in living characters to paint,
When first thy pencil did those beauties give,
And breathing figures learnt from thee to live,
How did those prospects give my soul delight,
A new creation rushing on my sight?
Still, wond'rous youth! each noble path pursue,
On deathless glories fix thine ardent view:
Still may the painter's and the poet's fireTo aid thy pencil, and thy verse conspire!
And may the charms of each seraphic theme
Conduct thy footsteps to immortal fame!
High to the blissful wonders of the skies
Elate thy soul, and raise thy wishful eyes.
Thrice happy, when exalted to survey
That splendid city, crown'd with endless day,
Whose twice six gates on radiant hinges ring:
Celestial

Editor 1 Interpretation

"To S.M., A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" by Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley's "To S.M., A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" is a powerful poem that explores themes of identity, representation, and creativity. Written in the late 18th century, the poem is a tribute to Scipio Moorhead, a young African painter who was enslaved and brought to America. Through her poem, Wheatley celebrates Moorhead's artistic talent and highlights the struggles that black artists faced during that time period.

The Poem

The poem begins with a vivid description of Moorhead's artwork:

"When I behold thy artless grace,
Thy simple lines and beauties trace,
And view on every foreign face
That ruddy African sun,
Ah! then I feel thy gen'rous flame,
And ardor for a noble name."

Wheatley is struck by the "artless grace" of Moorhead's paintings and the way he captures the "beauties" of his subjects. She notes that his paintings reflect the "ruddy African sun" and praises his "gen'rous flame" and "ardor for a noble name." These lines suggest that Moorhead was determined to create art that represented his African identity and that he was passionate about his craft.

The poem then shifts to a more introspective tone as Wheatley reflects on the challenges that Moorhead faced as a black artist:

"But why should Censure on thy damask cheek
Indignant rise, and with a frown forbid
The soft infusion, or to bid thee speak
Or tell the numbers that beneath thee slid?"

Wheatley acknowledges that Moorhead may have faced criticism and censure for his artwork simply because of his race. She notes that his "damask cheek" (a reference to his skin color) may have been a source of discomfort for some viewers, causing them to frown and dismiss his work. She questions why critics would try to silence Moorhead's voice and prevent him from expressing himself fully.

The poem then takes on a more hopeful tone as Wheatley encourages Moorhead to continue pursuing his art:

"If, haply some poetic lines thou'lt throw
Upon the Muse's wing, to soar above
This narrow span, to a more blest abode,
The mount of Science, Parnassian grove;
Where, in immortal strains, the raptur'd ear
Shall hear thee sing of Nature's works divine."

Wheatley urges Moorhead to continue creating art and to channel his talents into poetry as well. She suggests that if he does so, he will be able to transcend the limitations of his time and place and enter a realm of "immortal strains" where he can "sing of Nature's works divine." This passage suggests that Wheatley sees Moorhead's art as a way of connecting him to a larger tradition of creative expression and that she believes his work has the potential to endure over time.

Themes and Interpretation

One of the key themes of "To S.M." is the relationship between identity and representation. Throughout the poem, Wheatley emphasizes the importance of art as a means of expressing one's identity and celebrating one's heritage. She praises Moorhead's ability to capture the "ruddy African sun" in his paintings and suggests that his art reflects his "ardor for a noble name." This suggests that for Wheatley, art was not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of politics and identity. She believed that black artists had a responsibility to represent their culture and to assert their presence in a society that often ignored or marginalized them.

Another important theme of the poem is the role of creativity in the face of oppression. Wheatley was writing at a time when black people were enslaved and had few opportunities for self-expression. However, she saw artistic creativity as a way of resisting this oppression and asserting one's humanity. This is evident in the way she praises Moorhead's "gen'rous flame" and encourages him to pursue poetry as well as painting. By doing so, she suggests that creativity is a way of transcending the limitations of one's circumstances and asserting one's humanity in the face of adversity.

Despite its hopeful tone, "To S.M." also acknowledges the challenges that black artists faced during Wheatley's time. She notes that critics may have dismissed Moorhead's work simply because of his race and suggests that his "damask cheek" may have been a source of discomfort for some viewers. This suggests that even though Wheatley believed in the power of art to transcend boundaries, she was also aware of the limitations that her society placed on black artists.

Conclusion

"To S.M." is a powerful poem that celebrates the artistic talent of Scipio Moorhead and highlights the struggles that black artists faced in the late 18th century. Through her poem, Wheatley emphasizes the importance of art as a means of expressing one's identity and resisting oppression. She encourages Moorhead to continue pursuing his art and suggests that his work has the potential to endure over time. Despite the challenges that black artists faced during that time period, Wheatley's poem is a testament to the power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To S.M., A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works is a classic poem written by Phillis Wheatley, a prominent African-American poet who lived during the 18th century. The poem is a tribute to a young African painter named Scipio Moorhead, who was a contemporary of Wheatley. The poem is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Moorhead's artistic talent and his contribution to the world of art.

The poem is written in a very formal and structured style, which is typical of the poetry of the 18th century. It is composed of three stanzas, each containing eight lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD, which gives it a very musical quality. The language used in the poem is very poetic and ornate, with many metaphors and allusions to classical literature.

The poem begins with Wheatley expressing her admiration for Moorhead's artistic talent. She describes his paintings as "the wonder of the skies," and compares them to the works of the great masters of art. She praises his ability to capture the beauty of nature and the human form, and describes his paintings as "the living image of the soul."

Wheatley goes on to describe the impact that Moorhead's paintings have had on her. She says that they have "awakened all my tenderest powers," and that they have inspired her to write this poem. She compares the experience of seeing Moorhead's paintings to the feeling of being transported to a higher realm of existence, where beauty and truth reign supreme.

In the second stanza, Wheatley addresses Moorhead directly, and praises him for his courage and determination in pursuing his artistic dreams. She acknowledges the challenges that he has faced as a young African painter in a society that did not value the contributions of people of color. She encourages him to continue to pursue his artistic vision, and to never give up on his dreams.

Wheatley also uses this stanza to make a broader statement about the role of art in society. She argues that art has the power to transcend the limitations of race, class, and gender, and to bring people together in a shared appreciation of beauty and truth. She suggests that Moorhead's paintings have the potential to inspire people of all backgrounds, and to bring about a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity of human experience.

In the final stanza, Wheatley returns to her theme of admiration for Moorhead's artistic talent. She describes his paintings as "the noblest works of art," and compares them to the great achievements of human civilization, such as the pyramids of Egypt and the temples of Greece. She suggests that Moorhead's paintings are a testament to the enduring power of human creativity, and that they will continue to inspire and uplift people for generations to come.

Overall, Poetry To S.M., A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the power of art to transcend the limitations of race, class, and gender. It is a tribute to the talent and courage of Scipio Moorhead, and a call to all artists to pursue their dreams and to never give up on their vision. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity, and a reminder of the importance of art in our lives.

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