“Occupations of Women and Their Compensation” 

Drawing, Design for Title Page, “Occupations of Women and Their Compensation,” 

This hand-painted title page, designed by Alice Cordelia Morse around 1899, is a powerful example of women’s contributions to design in the late 19th century. Morse used her artwork not only for aesthetic purposes but also as a form of social commentary. The composition is distinctly feminist: at the center stands a woman holding an open book, symbolizing knowledge and empowerment. She is flanked by two torches, representing enlightenment and guidance. Morse also incorporated plants patterns inspired by William Morris’s wallpaper designs, symbolizing the growth of opportunities for women. The title, Occupations of Women and Their Compensation, reflects the increasing attention to women’s roles and economic rights during the Progressive Era. This design is both important and hopeful—it illustrates how women were beginning to claim their place in society through both work and creative expression.