Fan

Art Historical Context

This delicate fan, crafted in France between 1830 and 1860, exemplifies the refined accessories of mid-19th high society. Made from horn—likely sourced from animal guards for its sturdy yet lightweight structure—and luxurious silk for the leaf, it reflects the era's blend of natural materials and fine textiles. Horn provided durability and a subtle translucency when carved, while silk allowed for intricate pleating and decoration, making fans both functional and fashionable. During the July Mon and early Second Empire, fans were essential for women at balls, operas, and social gatherings. They served practical purposes like cooling oneself amid heavy crinolines and corsets, but also as subtle tools for flirtation through a codified "language of the fan." This anonymous example captures French craftsmanship at its peak, when Paris was the world's fashion capital, producing accessories that signified status and elegance. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, thanks to a 1975 gift from the Daughters of Allison Pierce Moore, the fan offers a tangible glimpse into everyday luxury. Its preservation highlights how such objects preserve stories of social rituals long past.