Fan

Art Historical Context

This elegant French fan, dating to around 1815–30, exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the post-Napoleonic Restoration era. Crafted from ivory guards inlaid with shimmering mother-ofpearl, delicate paper, and translucent chicken skin—a thin, semi-transparent membrane prized for its luminous effect—it measures just 8⅞ × 17 inches when open. Such fans were cherished accessories among the European elite, serving not only as cooling aids but also as subtle tools for social signaling through a codified "language of the fan." The artwork's painted scene evokes a poignant mood of sadness, fea...