Umbrella

Art Historical Context

In the early 19th century, accessories like this American umbrella from around 1825 served dual purposes: shielding ladies from the sun during leisurely promenades and signaling social status. Crafted by an unknown artist, it the refined craftsmanship of the Costume Institute's collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.ed from luxurious silk for the canopy, with a handle of polished wood, ivory, and metal fittings accented by leather, the umbrella reflects the era's blend of functionality and opulence. During the 1820s, as America embraced neoclassical influences from Europe, such parasols...