Gezicht op de dijk van Oostende 1873 - 1890

This photograph, simply titled "View of the Oostende Dike," captures a moment in time, a promenade filled with figures strolling along the Belgian coast. Note the parasols held by many; these are not merely protection from the sun. They signify status, modesty, and the deliberate cultivation of pale skin, a mark of the leisured classes. This motif echoes across centuries, from ancient Egyptian sunshades to Renaissance portraits, each iteration subtly shifting in meaning yet retaining its core association with privilege. Consider the psychological implications: the parasol becomes a shield, a barrier against the harsh realities of the outside world, embodying a desire for control and preservation of an idealized self. These figures, caught in the amber of this photograph, are not merely people but embodiments of a collective yearning, a human desire to curate our image, to project an idealized version of ourselves onto the world. This desire has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, from social media filters to the curated lives of celebrities.