Gezicht op de Kungliga Djurgarden, gezien vanaf Kastellholmen, Stockholm 1865 - 1890

This photograph by Johannes Jaeger captures a tranquil scene of Stockholm, with two figures observing the Kungliga Djurgården from Kastellholmen. Note the parasol, an object of duality. Originally used in antiquity as symbols of power and divine protection in ancient Egypt and Asia, the parasol signified status. Over time it evolved to become a fashion accessory associated with feminine grace and sun protection in the 19th century. Think about the figures in the image—perhaps they sought refuge from the sun, or perhaps they wished to project a certain image of refinement. The parasol acts as a shield but also a statement, reflecting a complex interplay of protection and social posturing that continues to evolve, revealing how cultural symbols adapt and resurface through the ages, shaped by our ever-changing desires and societal roles.