En tout cas
Stunning in its simplicity, this is a beautiful example of a very elegant but minimally decorated parasol. Its larger size, midway between a parasol and an umbrella suggests that it is more properly termed an "en tout cas" or "in any case", referring to its dual function as an umbrella or a shade from the sun. As dresses became less complex, simpler in line and in decoration from 1908 onwards, the parasol also became simpler. The handle is a testament to this fact, as it is very chic, long and sleek, as were the dresses of the period.
The provenance adds extra interest as it was donated by the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust established in 1938. Mary Flagler Cary was the granddaughter of Henry Morrison Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil and Florida East Coast Railroad. Her sister, Jean Flagler Matthews founded the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida.
The provenance adds extra interest as it was donated by the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust established in 1938. Mary Flagler Cary was the granddaughter of Henry Morrison Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil and Florida East Coast Railroad. Her sister, Jean Flagler Matthews founded the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida.
Artwork Details
- Title: En tout cas
- Department Store: B. Altman & Co. (American, 1865–1990)
- Date: 1910–20
- Culture: American
- Medium: silk, wood, metal
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of the trustees of Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust, 1969
- Object Number: 2009.300.3343
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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