Three Things: The Umbrella Edition

I hold umbrellas in high regard. I’m a sucker for the cut of a solitary figure walking down a deserted alley in the rain. I’m a fan of the jaunty reflections they cast on rainy streets (or their shadows on sunny beach days). Even deformed, bent, and battered umbrellas, discarded on a curb with their innards on display, I find delightfully expressive.

This is all to say: bring on the April showers. I’ve got my umbrella ready.

James Gillray, A Meeting of Umbrellas, 1782. (Originally published on Jan 25, 1782 by W. Humphrey, 227 Strand, London.)

Toshi Yoshida, Umbrella, 1940. Woodblock.

Alex Katz, Blue Umbrella, 1979. Lithograph. www.alexkatz.com

Oh, alright, I couldn’t resist.