Fan
1875-1900
Medium
Decorative Arts
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore through Mr. Henry L. Milmore
Accession Number
1956.6.A-3
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of late 19th-century French with this elegant *Fan*, crafted by an unidentified artist between 1875 1900. As a prime example of decorative arts, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship typical of the era, when fans were indispensable accessories for women in high society. These delicate objects, often made from fine materials like silk, lace, or feathers, served both practical and ornamental purposes, fluttering in ballrooms and salons across Paris. During France's Belle Époque—a time of cultural flourishing after the Franco-Prussian War—fans embodied luxury and arti...
About the Artist
Unidentified (French)
Georges Hugnet (1906–1974) was a multifaceted French artist, poet, writer, and critic whose innovative collages and graphic works bridged Dada and Surrealism. Born in Paris on July 11, 1906, he spent much of his early childhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, returning to France around 1913. His early life and artistic training remain sparsely documented, with no records of formal art school attendanc...