Pleated fan
ca. 1840
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Clarence Hoblitzelle
Accession Number
1912-10-6
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 19th fashion with this pleated fan, dating to around 1840 and housed in the Smithsonian American Art's Costume & Accessories collection. As a gift from Clarence Hoblitzelle this delicate accessory exemplifies the refined accessories that complemented women's attire during America's antebellum era. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown— with ongoing research illuminating its story—its pleated design suggests craftsmanship typical of the period, allowing it to fold compactly for portability and flair. In the 1840s, fans like this one were far more than...
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...