Parasol 1935 - 1942

This painting of a parasol was made by Virginia Berge, but we don’t know exactly when. Look at the subtle ways Berge builds up that green, from a lighter, almost transparent base to the darker shades that give the umbrella its volume. It's like she's layering thoughts, each one adding depth to the whole. The brushstrokes are soft, almost like whispers, but they come together to create something solid, something real. I think there's something really captivating about the way she renders that tassel, it’s this focal point, soft and full of light. The fringe of the parasol and the soft background contrast and complement each other to create a cohesive whole. It makes me think of other painters of objects like Giorgio Morandi. It’s like she’s inviting us to contemplate the beauty of everyday things, to find poetry in the mundane.