En tout cas
Umbrellas and parasols had become established fashion accessories in the 18th century. The "en tout cas" was a hybrid style that could be used either as a parasol or an umbrella. This whimsical design takes a theme perfectly appropriate to its function of shedding water - the duck - as a point of inspiration. Animal head handles were especially favored in the 1880s and 1890s. Of particular note are the rib tips, the very unusual shape of which can clearly been seen to repeat the shape of the duck bill on the handle. The cheerful motif and attractive striped fabric are an example of the novelty and liveliness seen in the parasols and umbrellas of the 1880s.
Artwork Details
- Title: En tout cas
- Date: 1920–29
- Culture: American
- Medium: silk, wood, metal, synthetic
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of the estate of Theodora Wilbour, 1947
- Object Number: 2009.300.2363
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Elizabeth Hawes
1937
Charles James
1955
Charles James
1946
Thom Browne
spring/summer 2018
Charles James
1953
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.