Pleated fan
mid- 18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Max Farrand
Accession Number
1943-11-3
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Pleated Fan, Mid-18th CenturyThis elegant pleated fan, dating to the mid-1700s, is a artifact from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection costumes and accessories. Donated by Mrs. Max Farrand, offers a glimpse into the refined world of 18th-century fashion, fans were essential accessories for both men and women. Crafted during a time of growing colonial trade and cultural exchange in America, such fans were not just practical tools for cooling off but also symbols of social grace and status. Pleated designs like this one allowed fans to fold compactly, making them ideal for carrying to balls, teas, or public gatherings. They embodied the era's emphasis on etiquette and flirtation—subtle gestures with a fan could convey messages in a coded "language of the fan." Though details of its medium and maker remain under research, its presence in the Smithsonian highlights the artistry of everyday objects, preserving how Americans expressed personal style amid Enlightenment ideals and emerging national identity. As research progresses, this fan invites us to ponder the intimate stories behind historical attire—what hand might have wielded it, and what secrets did it whisper? A delightful window into bygone elegance. (178 words)
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...