In a park 1917

Zygmunt Waliszewski created this watercolor painting, titled "In a Park," sometime in the early 20th century. Amidst the flurry of figures, the motif of the umbrella is repeated. In Western art, the umbrella often symbolizes protection and status, a canopy against the elements. We can trace the arc of this symbol through time, from ancient parasols signifying royal power to its commonplace presence in contemporary cityscapes. The seemingly simple gesture of holding an umbrella embodies a deep-seated desire for shelter. Consider how, in earlier Renaissance paintings, a canopy held over the Virgin Mary signified her protection and status, reflecting a collective longing for security. Here, Waliszewski offers a glimpse into the ever-shifting dance between the individual and their surroundings, reminding us that even the most ordinary objects can carry profound cultural and psychological weight. The umbrella is a recurring motif, reappearing across epochs and cultures, ever-evolving in form and meaning.