Fan Design with Eruption of Vesuvius and Three Views

Art Historical Context

This delicate fan design, created by an anonymous Bolognese artist in the18th century, captures the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius alongside three distinct views of the volcano. Rendered in watercolor and gouache on v—a translucent parchment prized for its smooth surface and luminous effects—the artwork exemplifies the intricate preparatory drawings used by Italian artisans to plan luxurious folding fans. Bologna, a hub of decorative arts during the Enlightenment, produced such designs for Europe's fashionable elite, where fans served as both practical accessories and miniature canvases f...