Evelyn Farquhar 

Sir John Lavery painted “Evelyn Farquhar” in the late 19th or early 20th century, using oil on canvas. The portrait is dominated by the color white, symbolizing purity and innocence, a common motif in depictions of women during this period. Consider the parasol she holds, a symbol of protection and status. We see its echoes in ancient Egyptian art, where parasols shielded royalty, and later, in Renaissance paintings, signifying divine protection. Over time, its significance has shifted, now whispering of leisure and refinement. The white dress and large hat can evoke a sense of ethereal beauty, but also a hidden vulnerability. This tension engages us, stirring deep-seated emotions tied to our own perceptions of beauty, status, and the passage of time. The visual memory of the parasol evokes a complex interplay of associations, as the image resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across history.