Portrait of Miss L. 1876

James Tissot etched "Portrait of Miss L." with drypoint, capturing a moment laden with the cultural symbols of his era. Note the closed umbrella held by Miss L; beyond its practical function, it speaks of societal norms and the constraints placed upon women in the Victorian era. The umbrella, a protective barrier, mirrors the societal expectations of modesty and reserve. The same symbol is also seen in ancient Egyptian art, in which parasols were used to denote status and divinity, shielding the pharaoh from the common gaze. Here, the umbrella suggests a complex interplay of protection and restriction, evolving from a symbol of power to one of social decorum. It resonates with the collective memory of past traditions, yet it’s filtered through the lens of contemporary social expectations. In this context, it serves as a poignant reflection on the psychological space inhabited by women in the 19th century.