A Summer Afternoon 1880 - 1890

Frits Jansen painted this scene, titled 'A Summer Afternoon', with oil on wood. The dominant symbol in this work is the red parasol, an emblem of leisure and protection. In many cultures, the umbrella-like form has signified status and power, harking back to ancient sunshade symbols of royalty. But what is most interesting is its appearance throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian processions to the Renaissance portraits of noblewomen. The colour red carries its own weight, traditionally representing passion, vitality, and protection. Think of the red cloaks in Renaissance paintings meant to safeguard from illness. Here, the vibrant red against the green landscape creates a striking contrast, drawing the eye and perhaps suggesting an underlying emotional intensity. Like many recurring symbols, the parasol has shifted in meaning, adapting to new social and cultural contexts. Its continued presence in art speaks to our shared human experience, the cyclical nature of symbols, and how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical moments.