Plate with an image of The Parasol Lady c. 1750 - 1774

This porcelain plate, with an image of the Parasol Lady, was crafted by an anonymous artist and now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The central image depicts two women by a pond, one sheltered by a parasol, a symbol of status and protection across cultures. The parasol itself, more than a mere sunshade, echoes through time, appearing in ancient Egyptian processions, and Renaissance courtly scenes. Its presence evokes a sense of sheltered elegance but also hints at vulnerability, shielded from life's harsh glare. Consider the ducks, emblems of marital bliss and fidelity in numerous Eastern traditions. These symbols are not static; their meanings morph and mingle, mirroring our ever-evolving understanding. It is the resonance of these symbols that tugs at our collective memory, triggering emotions and associations embedded deep within our cultural consciousness.