Parasol

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of late 19th-century American fashion with this exquisite *Parasol*, crafted around 1885 by an unknown artist. Made from luxurious silk and cotton, this from the Costume Institute exemplifies the era's blend of functionality and femininity. Parasols like this were essential for women shielding delicate skin from the sun, a mark of gentility during the Gilded Age when outdoor promenades were social spectacles. The silk likely formed a vibrant canopy, while cotton provided sturdy support—materials chosen for their durability, elegance, and relative accessibility in industrializing America. This piece reflects the Victorian influence on U.S. style, where accessories signaled status and taste amid rapid urbanization and expanding leisure culture. Though the maker remains anonymous, such items were often produced by skilled artisans in bustling garment districts. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection (gift of Madeleine Tamburro, 1960, transferred 2009), this parasol offers a tangible glimpse into everyday opulence, reminding us how fashion wove personal expression into the fabric of history.