Sector van een parasoldek van zachtgroene katoen, met een met woldraad geborduurde batisten rand c. 1885 - 1900

Curator: Look at this delicate textile fragment; a sector from a parasol canopy crafted between 1885 and 1900. It's a serene sage green cotton with an embroidered batiste border, showcasing such incredible craftsmanship. Editor: It strikes me as remarkably simple, almost minimalist, save for the ornate border. There's a kind of quiet defiance in its aesthetic—subverting the overtly ornamental style of the late 19th century with that vast expanse of muted cotton. Curator: Precisely. It’s very much aligned with the Arts and Crafts movement, don’t you think? The emphasis isn't just on embellishment; it’s about honoring the material itself, the inherent qualities of the cotton and wool. Editor: Absolutely, the movement positioned itself against the Industrial Revolution. What would you make of a parasol designed under the pretense of functionality as decoration and status for women? I cannot help but be wary of a feminine object intended for display, instead of a function. Curator: I am fascinated by the foliage motifs. The meandering vines bordering the canvas act as talismans; it may represent a desire to be connected with nature, a memory for people inhabiting busy cities. Editor: Or perhaps this canopy section can point towards questions on how identity may have been constructed. It is through pieces like these we gain some insights into gender norms and societal aspirations from back then. Curator: What an illuminating dialogue; viewing it as a material expression of inner psychological longings and markers of identity truly enhances its appreciation. Editor: Agreed. These quiet, unassuming objects often have the most powerful stories to tell.