Brisé fan

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 19th fashion with the Smithsonian American Art Museum *Brisé fan*, a example from the Costume & Accessories collection. Donated by Mrs. Gustav. Kissel, this accessory reflects the refined tastes of its time, when fans were indispensable for women in social settings across Europe and America. The term "bris é," French for "broken," describes this fan's distinctive construction: slender sticks, often intricately carved or painted, connected by ribbons or gossamer fabric rather than a single leaf. This design allowed for elaborate decoration on each segment—think f...

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...