La Mode Illustrée, Journal de la Famille, 1882 1882

This is "La Mode Illustrée, Journal de la Famille," a print from 1882 by Firmin-Didot & Cie. It presents two women adorned in the height of Parisian fashion. The parasol, held by the figure on the right, extends far beyond its practical purpose. It is a scepter of bourgeois life, a symbol of modesty and refinement, shielding delicate complexions from the sun. We find echoes of this motif in ancient Greece, where parasols denoted status in religious processions, or in dynastic Egypt, where they were a symbol of royal power. Throughout history, the parasol has re-emerged in diverse forms, each reflecting its era's cultural nuances. From practical sunshade to emblem of authority, its journey echoes humanity's perpetual reinvention of symbols. The parasol, like many images, reveals our shared subconscious desire for protection and status, evolving through time yet deeply rooted in our collective memory.