Carriage Sunshade c. 1937

Arelia Arbo rendered this sunshade design with watercolor, ink, and graphite, a practical object elevated through artistry. The parasol, a symbol of status, transcends mere utility. Observe its circular form, echoing the sun itself, a motif found in ancient solar deities and Renaissance depictions of divine radiance. Even the lace, its intricate patterns reminiscent of foliage, alludes to nature's protective canopy. Consider how the umbrella, in various forms, has appeared across cultures. From ancient Egyptian ceremonial fans to the canopies sheltering Buddhist statues, it signifies protection, power, and reverence. The parasol is not merely an object; it's a vessel of meaning. These designs tap into a primal desire for shelter and status. They remind us that even the most mundane items carry a weight of history and psychological significance. The cultural memory of protection from the elements and from the sun as the source of life and destruction is embedded in this object.