Meaning: Samuel Morse, best known for his invention of the telegraph and Morse code, was also a talented painter. The quote, "My price is five dollars for a miniature on ivory, and I have engaged three or four at that price. My price for profiles is one dollar, and everybody is willing to engage me at that price," reflects Morse's experiences as an artist and his approach to pricing his work.

In the early 19th century, when Morse was actively pursuing his artistic endeavors, miniature portraits on ivory were a popular form of art. These miniatures were highly detailed and often served as personal keepsakes or tokens of affection. Given the labor-intensive nature of this art form, Morse's price of five dollars for a miniature on ivory was likely a fair reflection of the time and effort required to create such delicate and intricate pieces.

Morse's statement that he had engaged three or four miniatures at that price indicates that he had successfully secured commissions at his desired rate. This suggests that his skill and reputation as an artist were such that patrons were willing to pay the price he commanded for his work.

Furthermore, Morse's mention of charging one dollar for profiles demonstrates his versatility as an artist. Profiles, or silhouette portraits, were a more affordable alternative to miniature paintings and were popular among a wider range of clientele. Morse's willingness to offer his artistic services at a lower price point for profiles indicates his understanding of market demand and his ability to cater to different segments of the population.

The phrase "and everybody is willing to engage me at that price" indicates that Morse's pricing strategy for profiles was successful. It suggests that he was able to attract a large number of clients who were willing to pay the established rate for his profile portraits. This demonstrates Morse's shrewd understanding of pricing as it pertains to different artistic offerings and his ability to attract a broad customer base.

Morse's approach to pricing his artwork provides insight into the business acumen of the renowned inventor and artist. His ability to set different price points for different types of artwork, based on their intricacy and the market demand for them, is indicative of his understanding of pricing strategies and his adaptability as an entrepreneur.

Overall, Morse's quote not only sheds light on the pricing of art in the 19th century but also offers a glimpse into the mindset of a multifaceted individual who excelled in both the arts and the sciences. It showcases his ability to navigate the business aspects of his artistic career while also making significant contributions to the field of technology with his invention of the telegraph and Morse code.