Art Quote by Harriet Hosmer
“Even if so inclined, an artist has no business to marry. For a man, it may be well enough, but for a woman, on whom matrimonial duties and cares weigh more heavily, it is a moral wrong, for she must either neglect her family, or her profession.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Women Artists and Marriage, 1865
The author argues that marriage imposes moral and practical constraints on women artists, suggesting it conflicts with their professional responsibilities.
In simple terms: Marriage can hinder a woman artist’s career.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for artistic freedom regardless of marital status.
Themes
gender
art
marriage
ethics
career
society
Mood
critical
historical
empowering
Type
social
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- advocacy for women in arts
- balancing personal life and work
Key Concepts
feminist critique
professional autonomy
social expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern institutions support women artists with families?
- What structures enable artistic pursuit without sacrificing personal relationships?
A Different Perspective
The view reflects 19th‑century gender norms and may not apply today.
![“[On leaving the U.S. for Italy:] I ought to be accomplishing thrice as much as now, and feel that I am soul-bound and thought-bound in this land of dollars and cents.” quote by Harriet Hosmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b2e/harriet-hosmer-56960_bounds_on-leaving-the-u-s-for-italy-i-ought-to_1967636.jpg)
