Pleated fan and case
1730–60
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. A. Murray Young
Accession Number
1937-28-2-a,b
About this artwork
Pleated fan with a painted parchment leaf with three cartouches: the center shows an interior with a man and two women playing music and dancing; the two side cartouches show butterflies and shells. Scattered insects on the reverse, with a floral border. Twenty-four ivory sticks which are carved, pierced, painted and gilt, with amorini, fruit and flower chains, and with red foil inserted in the guard sticks. Embroidered case with red lining, removable lid.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...