Groep figuren, mogelijk bij een kraam c. 1886 - 1890

This sketch by George Hendrik Breitner captures a bustling market scene, rendered in charcoal. The figures huddle together, shaded by a large umbrella, a potent symbol of protection found throughout art history. Consider its earlier use, as the umbrella shielded deities and royalty, signifying power and divine favor, much like the parasols in ancient Egyptian processions. In the East, particularly in Buddhist art, umbrellas denoted spiritual authority and refuge. Over time, its protective function extended to everyday life, yet vestiges of its symbolic power remain, a visual echo of its regal origins. Here, the umbrella's canopy not only provides shelter from the elements but also fosters a sense of intimacy and community. Like a stage curtain framing a drama, the artist draws our attention to the human interactions beneath it. It is a powerful, albeit subtle, reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of meaning across centuries.