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| Paris Street in Rainy Weather by Gustave Caillebotte (1877) |
Location: Corner of Chevalier de Saint-George and Rue Saint-Honoré [Disappeared between June 2015 and April 2016]
English translation
"The term appears in Tabarin's Farces: the street performer of the Pont Neuf laughingly claimed that his huge hat was the origin of the invention! But it took a long time for the term to catch on, and the Dictionary of the French Academy (Dictionnaire de l’Académie Française) only recognised it in 1718. Since 1710, a certain Jean Marius has been marketing a model of “parapluie brisé” – a folding umbrella - which was all the rage. However, a witness noted in 1768: “Those who don't want to blend in with the common people prefer to risk getting wet than be seen on walks as people walk on foot; for the umbrella is a sure sign that one has no carriage”. To remedy this situation, a rental company was set up in 1769, whose regulation were posted in the streets of Paris by Police Lieutenant Nicolas de Sartine. Their green taffeta umbrellas were numbered, as was the lantern of the umbrella-holder, so that the porter could be easily identified. By 1848, there were almost 400 manufacturers established in the capital." (Translated by DeepL and ChatGPT)
Background notes
- Tabarin was the stage name of a famous 17th-century street performer and comic actor, Antoine Girard (c. 1584–1633), who performed in front of large crowds on the Pont Neuf, Paris’s busiest bridge (see plaque 2). Umbrellas were referred to in Tabarin's Farces, which were widely popular, short, comedic plays or sketches, often bawdy and exaggerated, meant to entertain common people. Tabarin was known for his theatrical costumes, including a notably large hat. This hat became part of his comedic persona, and the story humorously attributes the inspiration for the umbrella to this oversized accessory.
- Jean Marius was a Parisian inventor who received a royal privilege (patent) in 1710 for an improved design of the collapsible umbrella. While similar folding umbrellas had existed in ancient China and other parts of Asia for centuries, Marius's innovation helped popularise portable umbrellas in Europe. He coined the term "parapluie brisé" (literally "broken umbrella") for his invention, which became the standard French term for folding umbrellas. The name reflected the umbrella's ability to "break down" or fold into a smaller form for easy carrying.
- The remark about not wanting to be seen with an umbrella reflects the class dynamics of 18th-century Paris. Umbrellas were seen as markers of practicality rather than status. Wealthier individuals preferred to use carriages and considered umbrellas a symbol of being on foot, which was associated with the lower classes. The observation captures the social stigma around umbrellas during that time.
- A rental company, established in 1769, provided umbrellas for rent. Their green taffeta umbrellas were distributed by hired porters (called gagne-deniers, or "penny earners"), who carried lanterns at night.
- Nicolas de Sartine was the Lieutenant General of Police in Paris from 1759 to 1774, responsible for public safety and order.
- The numbering system was introduced to prevent theft and ensure accountability. The umbrellas were valuable, and porters needed to be easily identifiable to clients and authorities.
- The proliferation of umbrella manufacturers in Paris by 1848 can be attributed to several factors, including the city's frequent rainy weather, innovations like Marius’s folding umbrella, and cultural and industrial shifts. By the 19th century, umbrellas had become fashionable, affordable, and widely accepted across all social classes. Additionally, as Paris modernised, the growing number of pedestrians further increased the demand for umbrellas.
- The sign's location in this busy commercial district, is near Jean Marius's shop, which was located close to the barrier (tax collection point) of Saint-Honoré. In this area, Marius popularised his innovative folding umbrella in the early 18th century.