Women in Illustration: Contemporary Visions and Voices.

• Position: Museums Today - Exhibition honors the contributions of 20 outstanding visual artists

"Diverse and deeply rooted in personal aesthetic and philosophy, [these] compelling images engage the eye and imagination while satisfying the needs of commerce in its many facets."

IN THE 19th and early 20th century, when women struggled to secure their place in the worlds of business and art, the field of illustration offered some of the earliest and best opportunities. Perceived as an extension of what was believed to be a woman's natural talent for home decorating and recreational painting and drawing, illustration, unlike many occupations, was considered an acceptable profession. Still, the uncertain status of females in the art marketplace was apparent. In 1895, artist Joseph Pennell reflected upon the subject in his book, Modern Illustration, arguing that the accomplishments of Alice Barber Stevens and Katharine Pyle offered proof that there was "no earthly reason why women should not be illustrators."

Many female illustrators of the period worked in a style that was distinguishable from that of their male counterparts, illuminating the expectations of femininity and the social paradigm of the day. Marriage and children often curtailed fledgling careers, and only the most determined women made their way in the world of art. Beloved by readers and sought after by publishers, their pleasing portrayals differed from the more serious or heroic subjects that tended to be the purview of men. Yet, the essence of tradition is to invite the challenge that redefines it. Today, after more than a century of social change, the distinctions of the past need not be made. Recognized as historically important achievers, women now are celebrated among the most innovative and accomplished artists of our times.

"Women in Illustration: Contemporary Visions and Voices" honors the contributions of 20 outstanding visual artists. Diverse and deeply rooted in personal...