Dame met parasol, op de rug gezien 1860 - 1921

Adolf le Comte sketched this watercolor of a woman with a parasol. At first glance, the umbrella appears as a simple tool for protection against the elements. Yet, when we delve deeper, its symbolic weight shifts and expands. Consider the parasol's presence in ancient civilizations: it was once a marker of status and power, wielded by royalty and religious figures alike, almost a scepter deflecting the sun’s rays rather than the rain. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with the goddess Nut, the protector of the sky. Over time, this symbol of divine protection was democratized, becoming a fashion accessory, yet it still speaks of a guarded, perhaps privileged existence. Here, the woman is seen from the back, adding a layer of concealment. The parasol becomes not just a shield against the sun, but also a veil, a psychological barrier. Like the shifting sands of cultural memory, the parasol’s meaning evolves, carrying echoes of ancient power while adapting to modern sensibilities. The echoes of symbolism show us the cyclical progression of meaning, how ancient motifs resurface, evolve, and are layered with new contexts, weaving a complex tapestry of human expression.