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Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.

Watercolor Miniature of Susanna Rowson, Left Profile
Unknown Artist
ca. 1790
Watercolor on Paper
ca. 1790
Watercolor on Paper
Susanna Rowson’s first publication, Charlotte Temple (1794), though published anonymously, became America’s first bestselling novel and launched her literary career. The same year, she opened Slaves in Algiers in Philadelphia, a critically-acclaimed play that solidified her reputation as an advocate for women’s rights. It was first performed at the Chestnut Street Theater in Philadelphia.