Pleated fan

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

### Pleated Fan, ca. 1780 Step into the elegant world of 18th fashion with this delicate pleated fan, a accessory from around 1780. Crafted the late Georgian era, when America was newly independent and European influences still shaped high society, pleated fans like this one were essential for women at balls, teas, and assemblies. Their collapsible design—featuring tightly folded "pleats" attached to slender sticks—made them both practical for cooling and portable for everyday elegance. Though the artist and exact medium remain under research, fans of this period often showcased intricate craftsmanship, from painted scenes to lace edging, serving as subtle canvases for personal expression. In American contexts, they symbolized refinement and status, doubling as tools for flirtation through a codified "language of the fan," where a flick might signal interest or disinterest. Now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's costume and accessories collection, this fan was generously gifted by the Estate of James Hazen Hyde. As research progresses, it invites us to ponder the hidden stories of those who once wielded it—perhaps a lady of Philadelphia or New York society—bridging us to a time when accessories whispered volumes. *(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...