Umbrella Stand 1935 - 1942

Elisabeth Fulda created this watercolor and graphite image of an umbrella stand, but the date remains unknown. We can only speculate as to when it was made. During Fulda's lifetime, images of domestic animals, particularly dogs, gained popularity in artwork and home decor reflecting a growing sentimentalism and the rise of the middle class. The image of the well-groomed dog seated regally on a tasseled cushion creates a striking contrast with the more functional umbrella stand hidden within. Is Fulda commenting on the shifting social values and class consciousness of her time? The cultural meaning of this painting would require a deeper understanding of Fulda’s world. Scholarly research into the history of domestic decoration and the rise of consumer culture at the time could shed more light on it. Ultimately, this image serves as a potent reminder that art is more than just what we see; it reflects the evolving social and economic landscape of its time.