Fan

Art Historical Context

This elegant French fan, crafted between 1800 and 1833, exemplifies the refined decorative arts of early 19th-century Europe Made from a luxurious combination of silk, metal, paper, ivory and brass, it measures a compact 8 × 15¼ inches, perfect for a lady's hand. The ivory and brass likely form the sturdy guards and sticks, while silk and paper create the delicate, possibly painted leaf—materials chosen for their durability, beauty, and status as symbols of sophistication during France's Napoleonic era and period. Fans like this were far more than cooling accessories; they were essential fash...