The Fan Museum announces major acquisition
The Fan Museum is pleased to announce the acquisition of an exceptional late-sixteenth century ‘flag fan’, a precious survival from a time when hand held fans were exotic ornaments as opposed to commonplace accessories.
The article was probably manufactured in Venice, Italy where flag fans (in Italian, ventarola) enjoyed popular status throughout the sixteenth century. Demonstrating fine craftsmanship, both sides of the fan’s rectangular screen are richly painted with mythological subjects – one side with Cupid trapping birds, the other with a satyr (half-bestial spirit) unveiling the Goddess Venus; the subject, a seductive allegory of earthly love, was reproduced widely by artists throughout the sixteenth century, most famously by Correggio (1489-1534), whose erotic masterpiece resides in the Musée de Louvre, Paris.
The fan is on public display from 01 February 2020, forming part of The Fan Museum’s newly installed ground floor galleries.
For further information, please contact: Jacob Moss, Curator j.moss@thefanmuseum.org.uk
Images: Rhian Cox
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Upcoming Events
Fan Making Workshops at Greenwich Market
Saturday 21st March 2020
Join us at the Greenwich Market for a Fan Making Workshop.
We’re hosting three special discounted Fan Making Workshops at the Greenwich Market on Saturday 21st March.
The fan making classes will last 45 minutes. During the class you will create one folding fan.
Please note this event is only suitable for ages 12+.
Selling Fans in Eighteenth Century London
Wednesday 25 March 2020, 19.00-20.00hrs
An illustrated lecture by Cambridge University’s Dr Amy Louise Erikson, who recently curated a marvellous outdoor exhibition entitled City Women in the 18th Century.
Curator in Residence
Saturday 28th March 2020
Join The Fan Museum’s curators for free-to-attend talks on a range of fan-related topics pertaining to the Museum’s displays.
Curator in Residence
Saturday 25th April 2020
Join The Fan Museum’s curators for free-to-attend talks on a range of fan-related topics pertaining to the Museum’s displays.
Curator in Residence
Saturday 23rd May 2020
Join The Fan Museum’s curators for free-to-attend talks on a range of fan-related topics pertaining to the Museum’s displays.
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