Waiting for a Living Wage

Media

Part of Waiting for a Living Wage

Title

Waiting for a Living Wage

Description

A weary woman is pictured sitting at the foot of starvation, hoping for more pay to feed her and possibly her family. The chains at her hands and feet represent the unchanging working conditions for women which can only be changed once granted equal rights. With her head bowed down and hands intertwined, she is likely praying for a much better life, one that allows her to actually live.

Before the 1920s, women were not given the right to vote and not receive a wage that was equal to their male counterpart. Women were seen as weak and incapable of holding a position of authority, and were therefore forced to slave themselves at poor paying jobs. Catharine Courtwald aimed to encourage fellow artists to participate in the Woman's Movement and spread awareness about the maltreatment of women.

Date

1903-1926

Creator

Catharine Courtauld

Source

Harvard Hollis Database
http://id.lib.harvard.edu/images/olvwork602289/catalog

Publisher

Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute Gr-1-16

Rights

Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute: Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute: This image may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the Schlesinger Library.

Identifier

An impoverished and starved woman pleading for more pay.

Relation

part of Alice Park Posters. HOLLIS collection-level record:000605142