Fan

Art Historical Context

This exquisite ivory fan, crafted in France between 1700 and 1723, exemplifies opulent decorative arts of the early 18th century, the grandeur of Louis XIV reign and the playful Regency era. Measuring 8 x 12⅞ inches when open, it served as both a practical accessory a subtle status symbol among the French elite. Fans like this were essential for women—and sometimes men—in formal social settings, offering shade, cooling relief, and a discreet language of flirtation through graceful gestures. Carved from ivory, a prized material sourced from elephant tusks and elephant-like sources, the fan highlights masterful European craftsmanship. Ivory's smooth, luminous quality allowed for intricate detailing, though the specific designs here remain a mystery, inviting visitors to ponder the delicate artistry involved. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, gifted in 1888–95 by the Lazarus family, it reflects the era's fusion of utility and elegance, where everyday objects became canvases for refinement. Today, this fan reminds us of 18th-century French society's gendered yet shared fashions, evoking the swirl of Versailles balls and intimate salons where such treasures fluttered.