Fan

Date1790-1797

MediumFan: Paper (Mount); Bone (Sticks) Silver Metallic Paint; Metal (Spangles); Silk Thread (Used to Attach Spangles); Cotton Thread (Later Repairs); Silver Foil (Edging); Metal (Hinge) Case: Paper; Paint.

DimensionsFan Length: 10" Width (when Open): 10 1/4" Length of Case (B): 10 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Roger Alling

Object number1975.310.1,A&B

DescriptionA folding fan consisting of plain bone sticks with blue paper leaf with a top edging of metallic silver foil. Leaf is decorated with silver paint in leafy swags running from each edge to the central diamond shaped cartouche. with a single row of silver-color metallic spangles running above the swags with a double-line border. Silver-color metallic spangles are also stitched around the cartouche within a double-line border while two leafy sprigs frame the bottom and a silver painted bow sits at the top apex. Fan is inscribed within the cartouche in silver paint with the words "THE/BATH/GIFT". The hinge operates on a metal rivet with two pique dots on either side of the hinge.

The folded fan fits into a tubular case (B) made of heavy paper and covered with marbelized paper.

Construction History:
1. The fan was initially constructed 1790-1797
2. Unknown Date: White thread was used to stitch various folds of the fan together, likely because these areas were tearing or coming apart.
Label TextThe family descendant who donated this fan indicated that it was the fan held by Deborah Richmond for her 1797 portrait (AARFAM acc. no. 1974.100.3). Although the fan in the painting is shown only partially opened, its details of construction and decoration are analogous to those of this fan and corroborate the family history. The fan was a souvenir of Bath in England, perhaps presented to Deborah as a gift.
InscribedInscribed in silver paint at top center of the fan is: "THE/BATH/GIFT".
ProvenanceLikely owned by Deborah Richmond (1772-1802), Suffield, Connecticut.

Exhibition(s)