Pleated fan
ca. 1780
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of the Estate of James Hazen Hyde
Accession Number
1960-1-86
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 cr...
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...