Gazette du Bon Ton, 1915 - No. 8-9, p. 18: Autours Simples 1915

This is a print by George Barbier for the Gazette du Bon Ton, dating from 1915. Observe the parasol, a recurring motif in Barbier’s illustrations, but also in artworks across different times and places. The parasol, more than a mere shield against the sun, carries historical weight. In ancient Egypt and the Far East, it signified status and divinity, evolving into a symbol of bourgeois elegance by the 18th century. Here, the delicate parasol whispers of a bygone era, echoing the protective veils of goddesses and royalty. Consider how this object, once associated with power, is now a fashion statement. Its cyclical journey reminds us of the fluidity of symbols and the persistence of cultural memory, where even the most functional objects can be imbued with psychological depth. The parasol is not simply a sunshade; it’s a vessel of emotions, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with protection, status, and beauty.