Seashore c. 1913

Maurice Prendergast's 'Seashore' uses vibrant, broken brushstrokes to depict a beach scene, capturing a moment of leisure. The parasols, those emblems of gentility, dot the scene like blossoming flowers. These are not merely sunshades; they are symbols of an era, reminiscent of the careful social rituals and the dance between exposure and concealment that defined societal norms. We can find the parasol motif echoed through history. From ancient Eastern royalty to 18th-century European portraits, the parasol signifies status, power, and a cultivated elegance. Think of ancient depictions of Buddha shaded by a parasol, or Renaissance images of noble ladies shielded from the sun. Yet, here, the parasol takes on a new form. The symbolism of the parasol evolves, reflecting a shift towards modernity. The act of sheltering from the sun carries psychological weight, a subtle reminder of our vulnerabilities. The motifs in 'Seashore' ripple across time, resurfacing and transforming in an endless dance of human expression.