Fan
Dateca. 1760
OriginEngland
MediumPaper (Mount); Ivory (Sticks); Paint; Mother-of-Pearl (Rivet at Hinge); Gilt Tape (Binding at Top Edge)
DimensionsLength: 11 1/4"; Width (when Open): 19 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1995-38
DescriptionFan depicting "The Triumph of Diana" with painted leaf in a design mounted on sticks of carved and pierced ivory. The central female figure with crescent ornament on her head represents Diana. Surrounding her are women with bows and arrows, carrying game, and a woman holding back a dog. They are all set against a landscape design. The outer left and right edges of the fan design, in particular the body of water and the foliage near the fan guards, is of a different style and detail level than the rest of the fan. The top edge of the fan is bound in tape of gold gilt. The reverse has a mountainous landscape scene painted in Oriental style at the center of the leaf.The sticks are pierced and carved ivory in fine abstract patterns. The guards are carved in a floral motifs with an exotic bird carved at center. The front facing guard has a vertical row metal pique embellishments running partially down the stick beginning at the start of the mount. The hinge is of metal with a rivet of mother-of-pearl.
Constructon History:
1. Fan constructed ca. 1760
2. 20th Century: Small plastic pieces added to reverse of sticks in an attempt to repair broken segments. At top of second stick (from left) and bottom of fifteenth stick (from left).
Label TextFan and Unmounted Leaf
Britain, ca. 1760
Ivory, line engraving, etching, watercolor on paper
1995-38, 1995-39
Milliners sold imported ready-made fans and materials to assemble or repair fans for their customers. This fan and matching unmounted leaf depict the mythological goddess Diana the Huntress.
