Purchased with funds from the State of North Carolina in 1973 and dedicated in memory of Moussa M. Domit, director of the North Carolina Museum of Art (1974–1980), by the NCMA Board of Trustees, 2008
Frederick Carl Frieseke and his wife spent many summers at their home in Giverny, France. Frieseke was originally from Michigan, but he lived most of his life in France. He and his wife lived among a group of American impressionist painters in Giverny. French impressionist painter Claude Monet was one of their neighbors.
The woman sitting under the sunlit umbrella in this painting is the artist’s wife, Sadie. She is portrayed as a refined and cultured woman, taking tea and reading in her garden. Frieseke’s paintings often focused on the female form and women’s private lives. This was a different approach from other impressionist painters. They painted mostly landscapes. Frieseke was especially interested in capturing the sunlight in his painted scenes.
The Japanese parasol is a symbol of increasing globalization during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Japan had been forced to open trade with Western countries. Many Western artists became interested in Japanese decorative arts. This trend is known as Japonisme.
tags: weather, fashion, seasons, color
Resources for Teachers
Resources for Students
Learn More
