"I have made it a rule for a long time, not to part with the copyright of my drawings, for I have been so copied, my drawings reproduced and sold for advertisements and done in ways I hate"

Kate Greenaway's quote shows her protective stance on her artistic productions and highlights the wider problems of copyright and innovative control. In the quote, Greenaway articulates a strategy she has embraced over a significant period-- that of not parting with the copyright of her illustrations. This decision underscores her desire to keep control over her work, an impulse rooted in her experiences with unauthorized recreations and changes.

The reference of being "so copied" and her illustrations being "reproduced and cost advertisements" without her consent recommends a broader context of concern for many artists of her time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Greenaway was active, the principle of intellectual property was developing, and legal protections for artists were not as robust or clear as they are today. The unauthorized usage of her work reflects not simply an individual grievance but indicate the systemic difficulties artists dealt with concerning the appropriation of their labor.

Her usage of the expression "performed in ways I hate" suggests a deep emotional and professional discouragement at seeing her innovative outputs changed and made use of in manners she did not intend. This declaration communicates a sense of violation and helplessness that accompanies the unapproved and misappropriation of art. Greenaway's persistence on keeping copyright can be viewed as a proactive measure to secure her artistic integrity and maintain the authenticity of her work's initial expression.

Moreover, Greenaway's position highlights the wider theme of an artist's relationship with their creations. For numerous artists, their work is not just a commercial commodity but an extension of their identity and expression. By holding onto copyright, Greenaway sought to safeguard her legacy, guaranteeing that her work would not be distorted or utilized in contexts that might weaken its initial meaning or value.

This quote shows not just Greenaway's individual experiences and decisions however also serves as a lens into the historical backdrop of intellectual property concerns, promoting the significance of artists' rights and the withstanding struggle for creative control.