Pleated fan

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of late 18th-century fashion with this pleated fan, crafted between 1778 and 1793. Dating from the era of the American Revolution and early Republic, such accessories were essential for women of refinement, serving practical purposes like cooling oneself amid the warmth of crowded social gatherings while doubling as subtle tools for flirtation and through intricate fan language. As part of the Smithsonian American Art's Costume & Accessories collection, this fan highlights the artistry in everyday adornments of the time. Pleated designs allowed for compact folding and graceful unfolding, often mounted on delicate sticks of ivory, bone, or wood—though specifics here await further research. These items reflected social status and cultural influences from Europe, blending utility with understated elegance in a young nation's emerging style. Generously gifted from the Estate of James Hazen Hyde, a noted collector of Americana, this piece invites us to ponder the intimate lives of Americans during a transformative period. Though details are still under study, it beautifully captures how personal accessories wove history's threads into daily life. (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...