Brisé fan
ca. 1830
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Miss Elizabeth d'Hauteville Kean
Accession Number
1923-24-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 19th-century fashion with the *Brisé fan* (ca. 1830), a delicate accessory from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection of costume and accessories. This fan, bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth d'Haville Kean, exemplifies refined craftsmanship of its era, though its exact medium awaits further research. Brisé fans, named from the French word for "broken," feature articulated ivory or bone sticks that pivot independently, creating a shimmering, lattice-like effect when fanned—a clever design that maximized airflow and visual allure. In the Romantic period around 18...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...