Plate with an image of The Parasol Lady c. 1736 - 1738

Here we have a plate with an image of The Parasol Lady, made by an anonymous artist. This plate provides insight into the cross-cultural dialogues and power dynamics of the time. Though made by an anonymous artist, the image reflects the European fascination with Asian cultures during the colonial era. The so-called "Parasol Lady" becomes a figure through which complex issues of gender, representation, and exoticism are expressed. Consider the act of portraying a woman under a parasol—an object of status and protection. What does it mean to frame her in this manner? Does it evoke ideas of fragility, or does it hint at a more nuanced commentary on the roles assigned to women across different cultures? The plate invites us to reflect on how cultural exchange shapes our perceptions and the subtle ways in which identity is negotiated through art.