Retrato de la Sra. Elvira Lavalleja de Calzadilla, by Prilidiano Pueyrredón (ca. 1859)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 125 x 100 cm

MNBA

From mid 1850s to mid 1880s, Paris becomes the style city of the world, placing France in the spotlight of the Art and Fashion world of Modernity.

The women of the wealthiest families in our country followed the style rules of Paris. And, among the accessories, parasols became an obsession for the ladies. 

Elvira Lavalleja asked to be portrayed with one she surely bought in the City of Light. And in spite of being a studio portrait, the artist paints an outdoor landscape in the back to justify the presence of the parasol.

Silk Parasol with silk fringe. Ivory handle (de 1850-70)

Origin: France / Met Museum - New York

Black silk lace over beige taffeta parasol. Ivory handle (1860-69)

Origin: France / Met Museum - New York

Parasols mark the beginning of a different industry: Fashion, as synonym of Modernity. And as with all trends, it had to change constantly. See the many photos of New York's MET's archives to see the delicacy in the making of this accessory. 

Lize, the woman with the umbrella, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1867)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 115 x 184 cm

Museum Folkwang in Essen - Germany

Manet, Monet and Renoir placed their attentions in the new fashions and modern accessories, depicting the way the high classes expressed themselves. Artists begin painting "outdoors" and the ladies pose protecting themselves from the sun. 

In the above painting by Renoir, Lize is portrayed like an elegant Parisian young girl. She is wearing  a muslin dress, with a black bow around her waist. The wide skirt allows the artist to study the effects of light and volume. While the lace parasol and her hat cast a shadow on her face and shoulders.

Keep reading... "Impressionism, Fashion & Modernity." Catalogue of the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of New York, 2012.