Mission Point 

Rose O’Neill, known for her Kewpie illustrations, rendered “Mission Point” in oil on canvas. O’Neill's career was remarkable for its time, she became the highest-paid female illustrator. But she was more than just an artist; she was a businesswoman, suffragist, and a complex figure navigating the social expectations of the early 20th century. “Mission Point” departs from her more commercial work. This seascape, with its muted tones and focus on the natural world, hints at O’Neill's inner life. While not explicitly feminist, the painting challenges traditional gender roles by depicting a woman engaging with and interpreting the world around her. The ocean, often associated with freedom and boundlessness, can be read as a metaphor for O’Neill's own desire to break free from societal constraints. "Mission Point" invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of women's experiences in art history. It is a quiet testament to the ways in which women artists have found refuge and expression.