Parasol

Dupuy

1868 · silk, ivory, metal · Costume Institute

This parasol belonged to Mrs. Batcheller, a member of a prominent family from Saratoga Springs, NY. Generations of this family played important roles in American political affairs, and the original owner's husband was a general in the Civil War and an Ambassador to Portugal from 1890-1892. The parasol itself is exceptional. The exquisitely carved ivory handle makes reference to the shell forms of the Rococo and the idealized mythological Greek female form. It was made by the most exclusive parasol makers located at Rue de la Paix in 1868. Originally, the canopy had a black lace overlay.

Artist

Dupuy

Date

1868

Medium

silk, ivory, metal

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 Amelie Le Saux, 1948