Parasol 1937

This drawing of a Parasol was made by George Roehl in 1895. I’m picturing Roehl sketching this object with a delicate touch. The handle! It’s so ornate, twisting like it’s made from tree roots or some kind of magical staff, flowing into this very dark, almost gothic umbrella. The lines are precise, capturing the texture of the fabric and the intricate details of the handle. It's like he's not just drawing an object, but really paying homage to craftsmanship and design. It reminds me a little of the work of other artists from the period, like Aubrey Beardsley, who were also fascinated by intricate details. I imagine Roehl in conversation with all sorts of illustrators and designers, swapping ideas. It’s a reminder that art is this ongoing exchange, where we’re constantly riffing off each other, inspired by what came before.