Journal des Demoiselles, 1 août 1886, No. 4584 : Modeles de Mme Turl (...) 1886

This print from the “Journal des Demoiselles” in 1886 presents Parisian fashion, showcasing the latest designs of Madame Turl. Note the parasol held by the lady on the right, an object of both practicality and status. The parasol, historically linked to divine protection and power, has ancient roots stretching back to royal and religious contexts in Egypt and Asia. Over time, it has morphed into an emblem of feminine grace, shifting in meaning from a symbol of royal power to one of bourgeois respectability. This echoes the psychological concept of sublimation, where primal symbols take on new, socially acceptable forms. Consider the way the parasol reappears, not as a shield against the sun alone, but engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level as a marker of status, reflecting the cyclical and evolving nature of symbols. This motif has resurfaced, adapting and accruing new layers of meaning across epochs.