Fan

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 18th-century French fan a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Mrs. William Randolph Hear in 1963, the opulent decorative arts of the Rococo period. Crafted as a fashionable accessory for both men and women, it reflects the era's emphasis on elegance and leisure, when fans were essential for courtly flirtation, cooling, and subtle social signaling at Versailles and in Parisian salons. The fan's leaf is finely embroidered on silk with shimmering metal threads, gold and silver foil, and of glass, depicting graceful scenes of men, women, and blooming flowers—likely evoking romantic idylls or pastoral fantasies. Its ivory sticks add a tactile refinement, making it a miniature masterpiece of mixed-media artistry. At 10½ x 19½ inches, it was designed for handheld grace, showcasing the technical virtuosity of anonymous French artisans who blended painting, embroidery, and gilding. As a cultural artifact, this fan highlights women's roles in high society and the fan's evolution from utility to status symbol. Visitors will appreciate its delicate beauty, a window into the lavish world of ancien régime France.