Fan
Dateca. 1700
OriginEurope
MediumPaper, Ivory, Metal, Mother of Pearl Inlay
DimensionsLength: 10 1/2 inches; Width when Open: 17 1/2 inches; Guard width 3/4 inches; Paper mount length 6 1/8 inches.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1986-47
DescriptionFolding fan with painted scenes of mythological figures on front and floral pattern on back. The sticks and guards are ivory. The sticks are uncarved and the guards have pique metallic inlay. A brass rivet with mother of pearl ring forms the hinge. The mount is paper with a painting on the front of three figures. A female at the left is seated in a chariot with a peacock (Juno). A central male figure is holding a metal instrument in his left hand (Neptune). The winged figure at the right is blowing in the direction of the central male figure (Aeoleus). The border of the mount has ovals with Asian figures and flowers. The reverse of the fan has a floral design.Label TextAncient Roman gods and a goddess on this fan probably depict a scene from Virgil's Aeneid, written in 29-19 B.C. The female god Juno tried to destroy Aeneid by persuading the wind god Aeolus to blow and create a storm. Neptune, the god of the sea, intervened to save Aeneid. The fan was probably owned by a well-educated woman who was familiar with the epic Roman story.
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