Philadelphia Sunday Press: October 6th 1895

This is the front page of the "Philadelphia Sunday Press" from October 6th, 1895, created by George Reiter Brill. The illustration offers a window into the evolving roles of women in the late 19th century. At the time, women were pushing against societal norms, seeking new freedoms and challenging traditional expectations. Here we see a woman in a striking red coat holding a rifle, juxtaposed with a rabbit. This image challenges the conventional representation of women as passive and domestic. The inclusion of articles like "Madagascar's Amazon Queen" and "Zola's Cycling Suit" indicates a fascination with women who defied expectations. What does it mean to see "Divorcees Ostracized by Society" right next to "Mrs. Booth's Home Life?" The cover evokes the tensions between the old and the new, and hints at the complex negotiations women had to undertake. It invites us to reflect on the courage required to pursue a path less traveled.