Parasol

Betaille

1900–1910 · silk, wood, metal, leather, quartz, glass, enamel, tortoiseshell · Costume Institute

This parasol is a premier example of French artistry as well as an ultimate expression of the decorative aspects of the parasol. A custom-made piece, the parasol undoubtedly belonged to a pug owner, given the expensive amethyst pug knob with customized cover. The fabric is woven á disposition to the shape of the canopy and every other aspect of construction and decoration is tended to with great detail, including the matching of the rib tips to the coloration of the handle. Additionally, the purple color scheme is carried throughout in the border flowers of the canopy and the amethyst handle.

Artist

Betaille

Date

1900–1910

Medium

silk, wood, metal, leather, quartz, glass, enamel, tortoiseshell

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Alan L. Corey, Jr., Mrs. Arnold Newbold, and Mrs. Augustus Paine, in memory of their mother, Mrs. William Russell Grace, 1980