Not currently on display at the V&A

Fan

1670-1720 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This fan is decorated with a classical scene, and may depict the meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra, though given the storm clouds and setting it could equally represent the meeting of another doomed couple from classical literature: Dido and Aeneas. The scene is painted using the rich colours and composition associated with the Baroque style. Classical references are made in the representation of costume, for example the strapped sandals of the women and the armour worn by the male figures. The figures are lively and expressive, and the composition of the scene is engaging, and full of incident and interest. The fan maker has decorated the lower halves of the sticks with silver piqué work, setting patterns of tiny silver nails or dots into the ivory. Mother of pearl has also been used in the decoration. The reverse of the fan leaf is painted with flowers.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Watercolour on paper, ivory with silver piqué work, mother of pearl
Brief description
classical scene painted in watercolour on paper, sticks of ivory with silver piqué work and mother of pearl, Netherlands, 1670-1720
Physical description
Fan decorated with a classical scene in the Baroque style, possibly the meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra or Dido and Aeneas. The sticks are decorated with silver piqué work on ivory, and mother of pearl. The reverse of the fan leaf is painted with flowers.
Dimensions
  • Width: 45cm (Open)
  • Height: 27cm (Open)
Style
Credit line
Bequeathed by Emily Beauclerk
Summary
This fan is decorated with a classical scene, and may depict the meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra, though given the storm clouds and setting it could equally represent the meeting of another doomed couple from classical literature: Dido and Aeneas. The scene is painted using the rich colours and composition associated with the Baroque style. Classical references are made in the representation of costume, for example the strapped sandals of the women and the armour worn by the male figures. The figures are lively and expressive, and the composition of the scene is engaging, and full of incident and interest. The fan maker has decorated the lower halves of the sticks with silver piqué work, setting patterns of tiny silver nails or dots into the ivory. Mother of pearl has also been used in the decoration. The reverse of the fan leaf is painted with flowers.
Collection
Accession number
T.177-1920

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJuly 24, 2006
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest