lady artists, if they could get them; but ladies do not succeed so well,
because they do not have such an efficient course of training--do not go
through the same gradations in a preparation for the work. They mostly
employ men that are foreigners to color. A colorist of photographic
views for stereoscopes says he pays a lady to color for him $6 a gross.
English ladies color best. The firm with which he is connected cannot
get their coloring done in New York, so have most of it done in London;
and as work is cheaper, it costs them no more with the addition of
transportation. At one photographic establishment in Philadelphia, the
proprietor told us that several artists now devote their time to the
coloring of photographs. He pays one lady at the rate of $12 a week. She
is employed on the low-priced pictures, such as are sold for $5,
exclusive of frame. The portraits range from $75 up. The lady painter is
daughter of an English artist. She works all the hours of daylight, when
required--sometimes only six hours. B. has at different times encouraged
and employed female artists; has never met with any one who excelled,
but does not doubt they might do so if properly trained. He had a lady
partner in daguerreotyping and photographing. She was very poor when she
commenced, but, while engaged in it, supported herself and children, and
educated them, and left $3,000. He told me of two ladies making a
handsome support by coloring photographs. His best pictures are painted
by gentlemen artists. He thinks the taking of photographs not so
suitable for women, because it is dirty work; that is, the nitrate of
silver that gets on the fingers stains them like indelible ink--a small
difficulty, I think, in the way of a woman that has a living to make.
There are several ladies in Philadelphia who make their living by
painting photographs. Some ladies have quitted the profession of
teaching to become photographers. Ladies are sometimes employed in
photographic galleries, to wait upon company, agree upon prices, deliver
the work, and receive pay. For such services they are paid from $3 to $5
per week, according to the amount of business done. Photographers work
from eight to ten hours. Some think the business unhealthy, because of
the gases that arise from the combination of chemicals. Women that have
had practice in drawing and painting can give a pretty and delicate
touch in the coloring of photographs. L., photographist, employs two
ladies to color photographs in water colors. He teaches it for $10. A
good colorist, with constant employment, can earn from $10 to $15 a
week. He thinks there are openings in the South. Some prefer water
coloring to oil, because you can see the pictures in any light. Oils are
better for large pictures that you see at a distance. Painting in water
colors does not pay the artist so well as painting in oils. Misses E.,
New York, are busy all the time. They execute different styles of
painting, but have lately found it more profitable to color photographs.
They each earn from $12 to $15 per week coloring photographs, when busy.
Their work is all brought to the house. They have had several offers to
go South, and better prices than they receive in New York. Miss E., with
whom I talked, thought if any ladies would learn thoroughly, and could
not obtain painting to do, they could easily obtain situations as
teachers of painting. I saw the wife of an artist who gives instruction
in drawing and painting. She told me her husband is very conscientious
and will not recommend any one to spend their time and money learning to
draw and paint, if he finds they have not talent of that kind. Some
people think they possess genius, and can excel in painting, even if
they commence when thirty or more years of age; but it is best for an
artist to commence early in life. The talent of some is developed in a
shorter time than others. One may learn in three months what another
could not in six. Her husband can advance an American pupil as far in
two years as he did his German pupils in four. He thinks the Americans
are more apt, and acquire more rapidly. She thought a lady would not
find any difficulty in obtaining constant employment as a painter. Miss
J., Philadelphia, has as much to do at coloring photographs as she
wishes. It takes her about a day to color a small one, for which she
receives $1. For those pictures on which there is more work, the prices
are higher. The painting of ivorytypes is more expensive. An ivorytype
the size of a $1 photograph would cost $10. Most photographers send
their coloring out of the establishment to be done, and pay by the
piece. In several States, women have been successfully engaged as
daguerreans and photograph colorers. Some have travelled through the
country, stopping in various towns to carry on their business. Some
knowledge of chemistry is necessary for a photographer. One photographer
writes: "Women are employed in every country where there are first-class
galleries. It is unhealthy in the operating rooms, on account of the
acids and poisons. We pay $4 a week to ladies to attend the show case
and wait upon customers. We pay men $6 and $7, because they can do more
by one third of the same kind of work than a woman. Any part of the
business can be performed by a woman. We pay girls $4 from the
commencement. They spend eight or ten hours at the gallery, but are not
employed all the time. They are as comfortable as in their own parlors
receiving visitors. Ladies prefer one of their own sex in the reception
room. There is always demand for superior work in our line;
consequently, a prospect of employment so long as the world stands. In
Syracuse, fall and winter are the most busy seasons." Mr. A. says the
occupation of portrait and miniature painters is gone since the
discovery of the photographer's art. He thinks ladies are as capable of
arriving at great excellence as men in painting, if they will only apply
themselves as closely. Their knowledge of colors probably makes them
excel in that respect. He teaches photographic coloring, charging $1 a
lesson of one hour. A mechanical execution in coloring is gained in a
short time, but a good photographist ought to be an experienced artist.
Mr. R. told me his girls are engaged in painting and mounting. He pays
one $7 a week, and the other $5. An individual that is bright,
intelligent, and capable of rapid tuition, could learn in six months.
They spend from eight to six o'clock in the gallery. They have but a few
minutes recess at noon, as that is the most busy time. He prefers women
for some parts of the work. Men are more powerful artists, give a better
expression; women are more careful, and give a finer finish. I talked
with a photographic colorist, who gives instruction to a few ladies in
coloring, and employs four. He thinks women are generally better judges
of colors than men, but some women never learn the shades. (I think,
unless it arises from some physical defect, it is because they are not
taught to distinguish colors when children. It is difficult to teach a
person the careful use of any of the senses if they are neglected in
childhood.) The work requires some artistic taste. A knowledge of
drawing and colors, and a good education, are essential to success. A
young lady in the business should be social in her nature, and of
pleasing address. I would think an artist of any kind would need the
talent of drawing to the surface the soul of his or her sitter, for much
of the beauty of a picture depends upon expression. Mr. G. thinks water
colors neater for ladies than oil. The employment is now in its infancy.
The taste for photographs is increasing. There are now one hundred
engaged in the business where fifteen years ago there was but one.
Photographists are usually employed from nine to six, or from eight to
five. The remuneration is good when constant employment can be had. The
best locality is a growing place. The business would grow up with the
place. The prices paid enable ladies to obtain boarding in houses that
possess the comforts, and even the luxuries of life. Summer is the
dullest season, but much depends on weather. French women generally
succeed well in coloring. Some English ladies, also, do well. Mr. G.
gives a lady colorer $12 a week. Mr. B., a photographist, writes: "Women
are employed in my branch of art in England. I would like to find
competent assistance, but have been unable to do so. The work is not
unhealthy, but it is very trying to the eyes. I should think that in
many respects the work would be well adapted to females, but think, from
trials that I have made, that the mathematical precision of the work is
a feature unfavorable to the feminine mind. Were I to find such
assistance as I would be satisfied with, I would pay according to
capacity and work. Thorough artistic education and natural talents are
essential. In point of taste, as regards color and elegance, I think
women might be superior; as regards precision and firmness of minute
work, I am uncertain. It would require considerable time and patience to
learn the art." One of the proprietors of a photographic establishment
in Philadelphia writes: "I employ from two to four ladies in painting
photographic pictures, and pay by the week from $3 to $6. They work
eight hours a day. I pay men about twice as much, because the men, being
longer at the business, work better and quicker. It requires several
years' practice to gain a moderate acquaintance with this branch. It is
our opinion, that women are well adapted for most branches of
photographing, and for some they would be superior to men, provided
always, that they bring to the work a certain degree of education, and
some natural talent. We suppose the reason they are not more employed in
this and similar pursuits, is, that young women of a certain degree of
education, are seldom eager for any sort of employment. Besides, in this
business, it requires years of earnest application to master it, and
before this is accomplished, many marry. The employer feels little
security in retaining a woman at the business after going through years
of instruction, because in many, or most cases, they marry, and must
attend to their domestic duties. With a man the reverse takes place. He
becomes a better and more steady worker after marriage." "We have a
great improvement in photography by its combination with lithography. By
the process adopted, the object to be represented is photographed at
once on the stone, and thus the intermediate operations are avoided." In
times of excitement, like the present, when soldiers are going from
their homes, there is much for the artists to do.
=85. Preparers of Scientific Plates.= Mrs. B. has supported herself for
some time by making drawings of fossils for works on geology. She is now
doing one for a work on Niagara. It requires a great deal of care. It is
very trying to the eyes as the engraver imitates every line made by the
pencil, and a magnifying glass is of course much used for presenting
enlarged views of the smallest fossils. I think she is paid by the piece
or set, for the work. Of course this pursuit must be limited.
=86. Seal Engravers.= Seal engraving is cutting in a precious stone,
letters or a device. The cutting is done by means of a lathe and sharp
cutting tools. Diamond dust and oil are used. The lathe is moved by
treadles. The finer the work, the smaller the tools. Taste, good
eyesight, and a knowledge of form are necessary. No pattern is used. The
hand and eye must serve as guides. It would be a very pretty occupation
for women, but would require time, patience, and practice. Seal
engravers in New York earn from $10 to $12 per week, but the occupation
there is filled. Mrs. Ellet, in her "Women Artists," mentions a Prussian
and a German lady as being noted for their skill in cutting precious
stones. A seal engraver told me he does not pay apprentices the first
year, but the second year $2, and from that up, according to the
abilities of the worker. It requires from four to seven years to learn
all the branches thoroughly. Another engraver told me the business is
not worth learning now that gum mucilage has done away with sealing wax,
and consequently the use of seals. The designs for seals are usually
taken from a heraldry book; always when for a coat of arms. Such seals
are in greater demand in Europe. Seal engravers in this country do not
have constant employment. They cut fancy seals when not otherwise
occupied. The work can be done at night by a good light.
=87. Sculptors.= Properzia di Rossi, Maria Domenica, Anna Maria
Schurmann, Maria von Steinbach, Anne Seymour Damer, Falicie de Faveau,
and in our own country and time Miss Lander, Harriet Hosmer, and Miss
Stebbins, are among those who have proved the ability of woman to
succeed in sculpture. Sculptors, it should be understood, seldom, if
ever, labor with the chisel. They prepare models, which are made in a
composition of clay or wax, and then superintend the imitation of these
in marble. Sculpture is the chastest imitation of nature and the highest
expression of the form and spirit of beauty known to art; and while
woman is possessed of the finest sensibility and most exquisite
perceptions, there can certainly be no reason why she should not succeed
in it. Mr. Lagrange, in urging the establishment of Government schools
of design in France, says: "Painting, engraving, and sculpture,
encouraged as music and dancing are, promise equal success; they provide
a more assured support in its being better acquired, and a more
substantial renown, and especially a calmer and chaster existence.
Painter, engraver, or sculptor, it is her _works_ alone that claim the
public eye. Her person is sacred; no one dares to lift the veil that
conceals her countenance; no one presumes to call upon her to courtesy
to feeble applause. A young girl, chaste and pure, she may watch by the
lonely hearthside; a wife, she may not see her smiles and caresses in
dispute as the seal of a purchased rite; a mother, she may educate her
children under a name they will never be tempted to despise.
Exhibitions, open to everybody, will afford the public an opportunity to
measure her talent or genius; critics will confine their attacks to her
works; and praise, if she deserves it, will reach her eyes and ears in
terms that she will be able to listen to or peruse without the
accompaniment of a blush." Mrs. Wilson, wife of a physician living in
Cincinnati, has executed busts of her husband and children that are said
to be excellent likenesses. Mrs. Dubois, of New York, has sculptured in
marble several specimens. Misses Lander and Stebbins, and Miss Hosmer,
we believe, find their art lucrative. Sculptors should attend anatomical
dissections; should learn the structure of the human frame, and the
appearance of the muscles under the various conditions to which
circumstances may subject them. Indeed the study of anatomy is essential
to success. In sculpture, we closely imitate the parent, nature. The
most superior specimens of statuary are said to be modelled after
nature, as seen in the unlaced, unpinched, unaltered original--just as
nature's own hand has chiselled. In sculpture, modelling is the
inventive part of the work, and requires taste and genius; copying is a
merely mechanical operation. A pursuit of this kind, if followed from
the love of it, becomes a soul-engrossing study. Means or friends to
rely upon, for at least two years, during the time of study, will be
necessary in most cases; for if the artist is to support herself while
she studies, only the highest earnestness can sustain her; but then
those that are not in earnest should not undertake this art--for "it is
better to pursue a frivolous trade in a serious manner, than a sublime
art frivolously." Without very decided talent it will be some time
before a sculptor comes sufficiently into notice to sustain herself
entirely by the filling of orders. "Sculpture has become almost a
fashion in Paris; but a woman finds it difficult to devote herself to
studies pertaining to the art. Though greater in number than painters,
they have accomplished scarcely any remarkable works." Many women who
might not undertake sculpture, might learn to work in marble for
sculptors. A marble worker in its various branches, writes me: "I think
women might be very well employed in the lighter parts of finishing. I
suppose they are not so employed, because there has not yet been any
organized and extended effort made to introduce them into this line of
business. I am not sure, but think it likely, women are employed to a
limited extent in _chiselling_ marble in Italy and France. Miss Hosmer
has done more than mould for others to copy. She has herself handled the
mallet and chisel. The employment in general is healthy; but lettering,
and indeed fine chiselling of any sort, requiring the eye to be brought
near to the work, raises a dust, which is breathed into the
lungs--though the injury is not very apparent till the lapse of years
reveals it. The qualifications desirable are a good judgment, and eye
for form, and a certain slight of hand. The prospect for marble workers
is good in all departments." On the other hand, another writes:
"Sculpture is too laborious for women, and if women practise the art,
they hire all the work done." In Rome, two thousand women serve as
models to painters and sculptors.
=88. Steel and other Engravers.= Steel and copper engraving require a
very good knowledge of drawing, and careful manipulation. A great
advantage has been gained by substituting steel for copper plates. One
beauty of steel engraving is that it can be done at home. Men like easy
employments, and so have appropriated this one. An engraver must learn
to convey the feelings of an artist. Lithography has seriously
interfered with steel engraving, and photography has to some extent.
There are very few journeymen engravers. Most go into business for
themselves. Some women are employed in engraving copper cylinders for
calico prints. Line and stipple are the most expensive engraving.
Mezzotint is cheaper. Boys practise on copper, and do not work on
anything valuable until they are able to engrave well. One reason that
engravers do not like to take apprentices is, that they cannot do any
thing under two or three years, of any value to their employer, but
expect to be paid from the first. Besides, an engraver seldom has enough
of such engraving as a learner can do to keep him constantly employed.
Those who receive apprentices in New York take them for five years, and
pay something from the first; but very few men in New York, in any
branch of work, are willing to take apprentices. Much of the success of
a learner depends on his inclination, taste, and individual exertion;
and when he possesses these, they render him valuable to his master--so
it proves a matter of mutual interest. All engraving is mechanical to a
certain extent, but requires some artistic taste. In "Women Artists" we
find the names of some ladies distinguished as engravers in Italy,
France, Germany, and England, in the sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth,
and nineteenth centuries. Jane Taylor and her sisters paid their share
of the family expenses by engraving. Miss Caroline Watson was an
engraver of portraits to the queen in the reign of George III. Angelica
Kauffman and Elizabeth Blackwell both engraved on steel. We read: "In
London, recently, one accomplished female engraver has turned her steel
plates into a pleasant country house, which she means to furnish with
the proceeds of her delicate painting on glass." In Paris, during the
last thirty years, quite a number of ladies have earned a livelihood by
steel engraving, and several are now employed there in card engraving,
and engraving fashion plates. There are some engravers in the South and
West, but there are openings for more. A card, seal, medal, and
door-plate engraver writes: "The usual number of hours for engravers are
from eight to ten. The business may be learned in from one to two years,
to be of use; but to learn thoroughly requires three or four years. The
business generally pays well by jobs, and I see no reason why females
may not engrave as successfully as males with the same application."
=89. Bank Note Engravers.= "Steel engraving was first practised in
England by the calico printers; but it was first employed for bank notes
and for common designs by Jacob Perkins, of Newburyport, Mass." The
American Bank Note Company, New York, employ about sixty girls,
forty-seven of whom are engaged in printing or making impressions; the
others in drying, assorting, and laying together the sheets to be placed
under a hydraulic press. It requires but a few weeks to learn the part
done by girls. Some are paid $3 and some $3.50 per week. They are mostly
American girls. A lady told me that she heard a girl, who had been
employed to cut up bank notes (done with scissors), say she often earned
$9 a week. The company pay a boy $3 a week from commencement until
through his apprenticeship, which is usually four or five years. Here a
man can earn $100 a week, if a first-class bank note engraver; but in
England not more than $10 or $12. There, however, paper money is but
little used; a £5 note being the smallest in value. Bank note engraving
is both mechanical and artistic. At the office of the National Bank Note
Company, a gentleman showed me the various processes. He had often
thought ladies would do well to learn bank note engraving. I saw two or
three gentlemen engraving. The process is simple, but requires a good
deal of patience and practice. Their girls are employed to place the
sheet for an impression under a roller, and, after the impression is
made, remove it. Some receive $3, and some $3.50 a week. It is dirty
work, on account of the oil and ink used. Their girls wash every evening
the blankets used on the cylinders. Bank-note engravers of the first
order receive a salary of $4,000. Some receive from $2,000 to $3,000 per
annum. Bank note engravers work but eight hours a day. Mr. M. thinks
there would not be much difficulty, if a lady wanted to learn bank note
engraving, from the prejudices of men, for some of them are not only
just but generous. One of the gentlemen engraving knew several ladies in
England that were bank note engravers.
=90. Card Engravers.= I was told by a card engraver that it was not
usual to pay a learner anything. He gives his apprentice only his board
the first year. A card engraver may draw letters well, and not be able
to write well, and _vice versa_. One should be steady and patient to
draw and form letters, and possess some natural taste, to succeed. It
requires also much practice. A card engraver can earn $5 a day, if he is
industrious, and has sufficient work. A journeyman is paid in proportion
to his abilities, from $5 to $25 per week. Some card engravers earn
$2,000 a year, clear of all expenses. The older a city, the more
engraving is done. In Europe, first-class merchants never use type
cards, but engraved ones.
=91. Door Plate Engravers.= I was told by a door plate engraver that a
skilful person, who would apply himself closely, could learn the
business, so that, at the end of one year, he could make a living. For
door plate engraving, it is necessary to form letters well. The size of
the letters for a given space must be divided by the eye. It requires
great care, as one badly formed letter would spoil the whole plate.
Engraving of any kind fatigues the back from stooping, and the eyes from
straining. In door plate engraving the eyes suffer least fatigue. Of
course less strength is necessary for plate engraving if the tools are
of a good quality and in proper order.
=92. Map Engravers.= Map engraving is divided into two kinds: the
lettering and plain work. The last can be learned in six months by a
person of taste and talent. The most that is needed is practice. A
knowledge of drawing is not necessary for this branch. There is not much
map engraving done in this country, because of the expense. Most is done
in New York and Philadelphia. The best map engraving done in Paris is
executed by ladies. There are also some ladies employed in map engraving
in London, and card engraving is there quite common for ladies.