Sector van een parasoldek van donkerblauw katoen, met een met woldraad geborduurde rand van batist c. 1885 - 1900

This is a sector of a parasol cover in dark blue cotton, with a border of batiste embroidered with wool thread by Gustav Schnitzler. While the exact date is unknown, the materials and style offer insight into its cultural context. The parasol, more than a mere sunshade, was a potent symbol of status and refinement, particularly for women in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Embroidery, often seen as a feminine accomplishment, added to the parasol's value as a decorative object. The use of wool thread on batiste suggests a concern with both durability and delicate beauty, reflecting the values of a society where appearances mattered. Without knowing the time frame, it’s difficult to assess whether the artwork is progressive or conservative. But by delving into the history of fashion, social norms around gender, and the economics of textile production, we can better understand the world this parasol inhabited.