The Evolution of Woman
Aug 6th, 2015 by bachmann
Harry McVickar (1860-1905), contemporary of Charles Dana Gibson, was a prominent cartoonist and illustrator for many of the trendy magazines of the 19th century, such as Life and Harper’s, as well as a popular poster artist. In addition, McVickar also illustrated books and novels, such as Henry James’ Daisy Miller. Along with socialite, Arthur Baldwin Turnure, McVickar founded the new fashion publication, Vogue, in 1892, where he acted as the magazine’s first art director. After Turnure’s death, Conde Nast picked up the publication and developed it into the international sensation it remains today. In 1896, McVickar shifted his creative juices toward a satirical publication on the evolving role of women in society. The book, The Evolution of Woman, traces the history of womankind from the Garden of Eden to the end of the 19th century, suggesting that women have finally found their own voice, role, and standing. The Evolution of Woman, was reviewed in the New York Herald after its publication:
“In this clever brochure, half humorous and
half satirical, Mr. McVickar takes lovely wom
an from her first appearance In the Garden of
Eden, and pictures the evolution of the sex to
the end of the nineteenth century. From the
days of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, she
Is brought forward through the mediaeval times,
when she was something between a hindrance
and a help, to the present century, when, all
professions being open to her, she is holding
her own with her alleged lord and master, and,
if her physique develops as Mr. McVickar fore-
shadows in his closing sketches, she is destined
to make a bigger sensation than the Roentgen
rays. But in all these changes she is still love-
ly woman; and in her golf and bicycle dresses
she is certainly a thing of beauty and a joy for-
ever.”
McVickar’s verse in “The Evolution of Woman”
Oh, yes ! There’s really no denying
You’ve had experiences most trying!
But — almost everywhere on earth
To-day dull man admits your worth.
You’ve all the Rights your sex affords;
You’ve stolen lots that were your lord’s!
You shoot — you golf — you hunt ‘cross ditches
You ride a wheel — you wear our breeches !
Susan B. Anthony once said “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.”
In 1895, the first Women’s Amateur Golf championship was held among 13 golfers at the Meadow Brook Club in Hempstead, N.Y.
Sporting publications, such as Field and Stream, created a new column catered to the huntress, entitled “The Modern Diana”.
By 1900, the U.S. had approximately 7,000 women in the medical profession. Boston made up as much as 18% percent of all female physicians in the country.
- Description:
- McVickar, H. W. The evolution of woman. New York : Harper & Bros., 1896.
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:2012522
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University