286

Ventaglio, France first half 19th century

Weight: 1560 g

folding fan made with finely pierced bone sticks, enriched with metallic or gilded decorative details, and the hand-painted surface features a gallant figurative scene set in an aristocratic interior, probably inspired by a theatrical, mythological, or literary episode, as was common in the first half of the nineteenth century.

Around the central scene are small medallions with miniatures, flowers, and ornamental motifs of neoclassical taste, all enhanced by extremely refined pictorial details.

The frame is also an antique element: made of hand-carved gilded wood, with scrollwork and leafy decorations, it clearly draws inspiration from the Rococo style, which was widespread in France and Italy between the late eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century.

It was most likely made specifically for the fan at a later time, in order to enhance it as a collector’s or aristocratic display piece.

Height x width x depth frame: 60.5 x 41 x 4.5 cm

Height x width fan: 24.5 x 45.5 cm

Provenance:
Family Princes Gonzaga of Mantua.