A Priest with an Umbrella 1840 - 1850

This watercolor of a priest with an umbrella was made by an anonymous artist, on an unknown date. It raises questions about the role of religious figures within specific social and cultural contexts. Consider the visual codes. The priest's dark robe, tonsured haircut and rope belt mark him out as a member of a religious order, likely Catholic. But the umbrella, an object associated with the wealthy, introduces a note of worldly comfort. Was this priest known for his extravagance? Is the picture a gentle satire? Perhaps the picture provides commentary on the church's relationship to wealth and power. The lack of information about the artist makes it difficult to be sure. Historians might consult religious archives, fashion history resources, and social commentaries from the place and time in which the artwork was made to throw light on the meaning of this image. Ultimately, the meaning of art lies in this contextual research.